Systems and devices controlled responsive to data bearing records

ABSTRACT

A device (12, 312, 494) operates to cause financial transfers responsive to data read from data bearing records. The device includes a reader (20, 314) that is usable to read check data from financial checks. The reader is also usable to read record document data associated with goods provided to a purchaser. At least one circuit (54, 332) of the device is operative to cause a determination to be made that check data and/or record document data corresponds to stored data. Responsive to the determination, check data and record data are made available to a payee terminal (346).

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention pertains to systems and devices controlled by databearing records which may be classified in U.S. Class 235, Subclass 379.In exemplary embodiments, such systems include devices that readidentifying information from records including financial checks andother documents, and cause the devices to be controlled responsive tothe data read to carry out financial transfers.

BACKGROUND

Systems and devices are known which read data bearing records such asuser cards, checks, vouchers, invoices, receipts and other items. Suchreaders may include optical readers, imagers, scanners, magneticreaders, radiation readers, radio frequency signal readers and othertypes of reading devices. Such systems and devices may operate tocompare data read from such data bearing records to stored data forpurposes of making a determination if the data that has been readcorresponds to an authorized user, account or participant. The resultsof the comparison may be indicative that a transaction is authorized,and such devices and systems operate on the basis of a favorablecomparison to control the devices to enable financial transfers betweenaccounts. Such systems may also include devices for perfecting and/ordocumenting such financial transfers such as printing or recordingdevices which operate to provide documentation of the transactionsand/or financial transfers.

Such systems may benefit from improvements.

SUMMARY

The exemplary embodiments relate to devices and systems which read datafrom data bearing records. Such records include financial checks,invoices and other documents associated with financial transfers. Theexemplary device is operative to read the data from such documents andcause the data read to be compared to stored data regarding authorizedsystem users. In response to a positive determination, the device andsystems are controlled to carry out financial transfers between accountsof system users. Recording means are operated to perfect and documentthe control of the system in the making of such transfers.

Some exemplary embodiments include devices that are configured to becarried by individuals who deliver goods such as food items torestaurants or similar eating establishments. In some exemplary systems,the device includes a reader that is configured for reading invoices,credit items or other documents related to deliveries to suchestablishments. Exemplary devices are also operative to read data fromfinancial checks or other records which correspond to forms of paymentpresented by the recipients of such goods. Some example embodiments areoperative to cause a comparison to be made between the data read fromthe records to stored data to determine if a transaction is authorized,as well as the nature and amounts of such transactions, and to causeappropriate transfers between the accounts of such establishments andentities providing goods or deliveries thereto. Other examplearrangements are used in connection with causing financial transfersresponsive to data read from data bearing records in the form offinancial checks. The devices, systems and principles described hereinmay also be applied to other types of transaction environments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an exemplary system controlled responsiveto data bearing records.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of process steps carried out by the system inadvance of a transaction involving a delivery of goods.

FIGS. 3-5 are schematic views of logic flow carried out in connectionwith an exemplary device and system.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of an exemplary device used in connectionwith reading check data.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of an exemplary device used in connectionwith reading invoice data.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of a financial check highlighting areas ofthe check with check data that may be used in an exemplary system.

FIG. 9 is a schematic view of an invoice record highlighting areas ofinvoice data that may be used in an exemplary system.

FIG. 10 is a schematic view of a credit item highlighting items ofcredit item data that may be used in an exemplary system.

FIGS. 11-17 are exemplary display outputs from a device that is operatedby an individual in connection with an exemplary system for the deliveryof food goods to restaurants or similar establishments.

FIG. 18 is an alternative schematic representation of logic flow carriedout through operation of the system including different paymentalternatives from purchasers.

FIG. 19 is a schematic view of alternative logic flow carried out by anexemplary system in which multiple vendors serviced through operation ofthe system have different requirements associated with goods delivery.

FIG. 20 is a schematic view of functional program elements associatedwith an exemplary system.

FIG. 21 is a schematic view showing different items of information thatmay be considered in exemplary systems for determining a vendor entityassociated with a transaction.

FIG. 22 is a schematic view showing different items of information thatmay be considered in determining a purchaser associated with anexemplary transaction.

FIG. 23 is a schematic view showing different items of information thatmay be considered in determining an amount associated with a transactionin an exemplary system.

FIG. 24 is a schematic view showing different items of information thatmay be considered in determining a transaction identifier associatedwith a transaction in an exemplary system.

FIG. 25 is a schematic view representing funds processing activitiesassociated with an exemplary system.

FIG. 26 is a schematic view of an alternative exemplary system thataccomplishes financial transfers responsive to data included on databearing records.

FIGS. 27-40 are schematic views representing communications by a payeeterminal and a central computer in connection with processing exemplarytransactions involving checks.

FIGS. 41-45 are a schematic representation of an exemplary logic flowcarried out through operation of a central computer or other relatedcomputers in connection with processing check transactions.

FIGS. 46 and 47 are a schematic representation of an exemplary logicflow carried out through operation of a mobile device in connection withtransactions involving checks.

FIG. 48 is a schematic view of an alternative arrangement of a system,including features of exemplary embodiments.

FIGS. 49 and 50 are schematic views of the operation of portions of thesystem for purposes of enabling the operation of a portable device inconnection with reading data from checks and record documents.

FIG. 51 is a schematic view of an exemplary portable device operating inconjunction with a payor terminal.

FIG. 52 is a schematic view representing logic flow carried out duringoperation of an exemplary portable device.

FIG. 53 is a schematic representation of a portable device being used toread data, image checks and record documents.

FIGS. 54-58 are views of a portable device and the user interfacethereof in connection with reading check data.

FIG. 59 is a schematic view of exemplary logic flow carried out duringoperation by a portable device in reading record data and check datawhich is provided to a vendor.

FIGS. 60-62 are schematic views of portions of the exemplary systemshown in FIG. 48 representing the display of record document data andcheck data at a payee terminal.

FIGS. 63-65 are exemplary outputs from a payee terminal in connectionwith the deposit and presentment of check data.

FIG. 66 is a schematic view of an alternative arrangement of a system,including features of exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 67-68 are a schematic view of messages exchanged between componentsin the exemplary system shown in FIG. 66.

FIGS. 69-70 are exemplary screen outputs from a payee terminal inconnection with presenting a check payment request.

FIGS. 71-77 are exemplary screen outputs from a payor terminal inconnection with making a check payment by a payor in response to a checkpayment request.

FIGS. 78-83 are exemplary screen outputs from a payee terminal inconnection with validating a payment and allocating the payment to apayor account or invoice.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings and particularly to FIG. 1, there is showntherein an exemplary system generally indicated 10. System 10 includes adevice 12 shown schematically. In exemplary embodiments, device 12 isconfigured to be carried by an individual. In some example arrangements,the individual is a person who drives a delivery vehicle schematicallyindicated 14, and who delivers goods schematically indicated 16 topurchaser establishments 18. In some exemplary embodiments, the goodsdelivered include food items which are delivered by the individual topurchasers who operate eating establishments such as restaurants.However, this use for the principles discussed herein is exemplary andsuch systems may be used in other types of transaction environments aslater discussed herein.

The exemplary device 12 includes at least one reader 20. In theexemplary embodiment the reader includes an image scanner that isoperative to read data included in documents such as checks, invoicesand credit items as hereinafter discussed.

The exemplary device 12 further includes a display 22. In exemplaryarrangements, the display 22 is a display that provides outputs ofvisual indicia that can be perceived by the individual who carries thedevice. In some arrangements, display 22 may be a touch screen typedisplay which provides outputs and also serves as an input device.Exemplary devices may also include other types of displays such asprojection displays which can provide perceivable outputs on items whichcan be viewed by a user. This may include surfaces adjacent to thedevice including, for example, a body surface of a user who wears thedevice. Exemplary displays may also include a lens such as a transparentlens that may be worn by a user operating the device. Of course thesetypes of displays are exemplary.

The exemplary device 12 further includes at least one input device 24.Input device 24 may include a manual input device which is configuredfor receiving alphabetical and/or numerical inputs such as a keypad orkeyboard. In some arrangements, input device 24 may include a contactsurface of a touch screen display. In other arrangements, input device24 may include an audible input device which is suitable for receivinginputs in the form of voice commands from an individual. In otherembodiments, the at least one input device 24 may include a pointingdevice, a device for tracking eye movements in a field of view of auser, or other device through which one or more inputs may be provided.

The exemplary device 12 further includes a card reader 26. The exemplarycard reader 26 is operative to read data on data bearing records such asfinancial cards schematically indicated 28. Card reader 26 in someexemplary embodiments may be configured to read magnetic data such asmagnetic stripe data associated with a financial card such as a creditcard or debit card. In other arrangements, card reader 26 may beoperative to read chip data such as an EMV chip which provides accountdata as well as security data from a financial card or other device. Inother exemplary arrangements, the card reader 26 may include a wirelessreader that is operative to receive data wirelessly from a user card orsimilar article. Such wireless data may include radio frequency dataexchanged with a card that includes user or financial accountidentifying data for a financial account with which the card isassociated. In still other arrangements, the card reader 26 may beoperative to read RFID tags or other card or item data which correspondsto a purchaser and/or purchaser financial accounts to which amounts canbe charged and/or credited.

The exemplary device 12 further includes a wireless communication port30. In example arrangements, the wireless communication port 30 providesa wireless interface through which the device can communicate with otherdevices and systems in proximity to the device. In some exemplaryarrangements, the wireless port 30 may include a Bluetooth interface ora Near Field Communication (NFC) interface. In still other arrangements,the wireless port may enable communication via other types of RFcommunication or through infrared (IR) or other types of communication.

In some example systems, the wireless port 30 operates to communicatewith devices that are used by the individual in connection withdelivering goods to purchasers. For example, the wireless port 30 mayenable the device to communicate with a wireless interface of a printercircuit 32 associated with a printer 34. Printer 34 may be associatedwith the individual and used to print documents associate with goodsdelivery or other transaction activities. Such documents may includereceipts for payments, packing slips, payment acknowledgments, invoices,credit items or other documents that the individual using the device 12may need to print in the course of the activities associated with thesystem.

Other example devices with which an exemplary wireless port 30 maycommunicate include a wireless interface of a depository circuit 36. Thedepository circuit may be associated with a depository 38. Thedepository 38 may include a safe, strongbox or similar structure whichis included in the delivery vehicle 14 operated by the individual. Inexemplary arrangements, the depository 38 may be used to hold cash,checks, credit items or other items of value that the individualreceives from purchasers in the course of activities related to thesystem.

In other example arrangements, the wireless port 30 may be used tocommunicate with other types of devices and systems. Further it shouldbe appreciated that the functionality of the wireless port 30 may becombined with or included as a part of other components of the devicesuch as the at least one input device 24 and/or the card reader 26.

The exemplary device 12 further includes a global positioning system(GPS) receiver 40. The exemplary GPS receiver 40 is operative to receivesignals from GPS satellites schematically indicated 42. The GPS receiveris operative to receive the GPS signals and enable a determination to bemade concerning the location of the device 12. Further in exemplaryembodiments it should be understood that the device 12 may also be usedwith wireless network based localization principles and techniquesand/or other devices that are usable to enable a location determinationof the device 12 to be made.

The exemplary device 12 further includes a biometric reader 44. Theexemplary biometric reader is operative to read one or more types ofbiometric feature inputs from individuals. In exemplary arrangements thebiometric reader is operative to read biometric feature inputs from theindividual or individuals who are authorized to operate the device 12.The read biometric data is enabled to be used to verify that anindividual is an authorized user of the device. Such verification thatenables the device to be operated to carry out one or more functions islater explained.

In exemplary arrangements the biometric reader may include a fingerprintreader which is operative to read fingerprint typography data from oneor more fingers of a user. Of course it should be understood that inother arrangements, other types of biometric reading devices such asthose usable to identify features of a user's iris, retina, facialfeatures or other identifying characteristics may be used. Further insome exemplary arrangements, the biometric reader functionality may becarried out through other components of the device such as at least onereader 20.

The exemplary device 12 further includes an audio interface 46. In theexemplary arrangements, the audio interface 46 includes one or morespeakers and microphones through which audible outputs may be providedand audio inputs received. The audio interface 46 in exemplaryembodiments provides capabilities for delivering instructions andinformation from the device to the individual using the device. Theaudio interface 46 of exemplary arrangements also enables the receipt ofaudible inputs and instructions from the individual who uses the device.Of course it should be understood that in exemplary arrangements, theaudio input capability associated with the exemplary audio interface 46may be accomplished through other components of the device such as theat least one input device 24.

The exemplary device 12 further includes a wireless communicationinterface 48 which is alternatively referred to herein as a transceiver.In the exemplary device the wireless communication interface includes acommunication interface circuit or chip that enables communication witha cellular network 50 which enables the device to communicate with othernetworks such as a wide area network 52. Wide area network 52 mayinclude public and/or private networks. Such wide area networks 52 mayinclude a public network such as the Internet. Alternatively network 52may include a private network that is limited to a particular group ofusers or systems. Of course it should be understood that wirelesscommunication interface 48 of the device is exemplary of communicationmethods that may be used, and in alternative embodiments other types ofwireless communications such as satellite communications or other datacommunication methodologies may be accommodated through suitablecommunication interfaces in addition to, or as alternatives for,wireless communication interface 48.

The exemplary device 12 further includes a processor circuit 54. Theexemplary processor circuit includes circuitry suitable for carrying outthe functions later described herein in detail. The exemplary processorcircuit 54 includes one or more processor chips or chipsets 56 which areoperative to execute computer executable instructions. Processor circuit54 further includes a data store 58. Data store 58 includes one or moretypes of suitable data storage media. Such data storage media mayinclude computer readable data and computer executable instructionswhich instructions may include non-transitory computer executableinstructions that constitute programs for operating the device. Itshould be understood that such data stores may include suitable computerreadable medium including solid state storage medium, magnetic storagemedium, optical storage medium, random access memory, programmableread-only memory, hard drive storage memory or other suitable memorywhich can store computer executable instructions and data. Further, itshould be understood that the processor circuit may include suitablecircuits and components in the form of electronic hardware, software andother components so as to carry out the functions described herein. Suchcircuitry may include integrated circuits including, for example, anapplication specific integrated circuit (basic ASIC), a fieldprogrammable gate array (FPGA), solid state microprocessors, organicmicroprocessors and other similar devices that are suitable for carryingout the functions described herein. Structures for processor circuitsmay include, correspond to and utilize the principles described in thetextbook entitled Microprocessor Architecture, Programming, andApplications with the 8085 by Ramesh S. Gaonker (Prentice Hall, 2002),which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Of course itshould be understood that these processor circuit structures areexemplary and in other embodiments, other circuit structures forstoring, processing, resolving and outputting information may be used.Processor circuits may alternatively be referred to herein as circuits,circuitry or processors.

It should be understood that exemplary device 12 has been described asincluding certain components and features. However, other devices whichmay be used in exemplary systems may include lesser or greater numbersof such devices as well as different devices. Further in exemplaryarrangements, device 12 may include a specific purpose device whichoperates to carry out the functions described herein. However, in otherarrangements, device 12 may include commercial devices such as a smartphone, tablet computer, laptop computer or other suitable device forpurposes of carrying out the functions as described herein and otherrelated or desirable functions which may be apparent to those havingskill in the relevant art.

In exemplary arrangements, device 12 may communicate with one or moreservers schematically indicated 60. Server 60 of exemplary arrangementsmay comprise a plurality of computing devices which include circuitry,processors, co-processors, controllers or other types of computingdevices of the types previously discussed schematically indicated 62.The processors 62 are in operative connection with one or more datastores schematically indicated 64. While servers 60 schematically shownrepresent a server environment, it should be appreciated that thefunctions carried out by server 60 may be operated in a distributedcomputing environment such as in a cloud-based environment in whichcomputer executable instructions are executed in numerous differentcomputer devices that communicate across a local area network or a widearea network. Further in some exemplary arrangements the functions ofthe server 60 may be operated in a virtual processing environment suchthat the server 60 functions are carried out by different instancesoperating within a larger computing environment which includes redundantsimultaneous operation of virtual servers to assure continuous operationof the server functions. Of course these approaches described areexemplary and in other arrangements, other approaches may be used.

In exemplary arrangements, server 60 is operative to carry out functionsand operations such as those that are described in co-pending U.S.patent application Ser. No. 13/486,497 filed Jun. 1, 2012, thedisclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.Such disclosed functionality which will not be fully repeated herein forpurposes of brevity, includes the capability for sorting a “load” oftransaction related information related to one or more vendors whoparticipate in the system described. Such information may include, forexample, delivery information, invoice information, accounts receivableinformation, customer information, information about goods/services,information about individuals who deliver goods, customer locationinformation, device information, financial account information and othersuitable information which may be utilized in connection with theoperation of exemplary systems. Further, exemplary arrangements may beoperable to carry out the processing of transactions between vendors andpurchasers and to maintain respective account information therefor.Further exemplary arrangements may be operative to enable amountsreceived through transactions to be deposited in vendor accounts,deducted from purchaser accounts and otherwise accounted for throughappropriate account processing. Further exemplary embodiments includecapabilities described in the incorporated disclosure to analyzetransaction information and to validate transaction information so thatpayments are properly applied to the corresponding transactions, andactivities of participants in the system are properly accounted for.

In the exemplary system, server 60 is operatively in connection with acheck presentment network schematically indicated 66. The exemplarycheck presentment network is operative to process check data includingto present check image replacement documents to a financial institutionon which received checks are drawn for payment. The exemplary checkpresentment network is further operative to route payments for checksthat are paid upon presentment to the server 60 so that vendors who havereceived such checks may have the funds received added to theiraccounts. Further in exemplary arrangements, check presentment network66 is operative to route checks that are dishonored upon presentment forreturn so that the nonpayment is promptly identified and appropriateactions can be taken through operation of the systems associated withserver 60.

In the exemplary embodiment, the check presentment network 66 includes aplurality of servers 68, each of which includes associated processorcircuitry 70 and data stores 72. In some exemplary arrangements, thecheck presentment network 66 may be a private network operated by aconsortium of financial institutions such as banks who exchange forpresentment, the checks that are deposited by their respectivecustomers. In other arrangements, the check presentment network 66 mayinclude a check presentment network operated by the U.S. Federal ReserveSystem. The Federal Reserve operates a check clearinghouse to processchecks between regulated financial institutions. Such participatingfinancial institutions are represented in FIG. 1 by banks 74. Banks 74operate servers which include their respective financial accountinformation. Such banks communicate through various different networks76 which may utilize the same communications network as the checkpresentment network 66 or different network communications.

In exemplary arrangements, images of received checks along withelectronic records including amount information for each respectivecheck and the account information which identifies the financial accounton which the check is drawn, is transmitted for presentment to thefinancial institution 74 which holds the financial account upon whichthe check has been written. If funds are available in the respectiveaccount to pay the check, the financial institution pays the fundscorresponding to the check and assesses such funds to the account of itsaccount holder. Such payments may be consolidated and processed throughthe network 66 so that the received funds are transmitted to thefinancial institution holding the account of the payee to whom the checkamount is payable.

In situations where funds are not available to pay the check, the checkis dishonored by the financial institution on which it is drawn when thecheck is presented for payment. Information concerning the dishonoredcheck and the image thereof is sent to the bank of the payee of thecheck who has sought to deposit the check into the payee's account. Thepayee of the check is notified that the check was not paid, so in thisexemplary embodiment the payee or operator of the system can takeappropriate action. Such action may include re-presentment of the checkfor payment through the check presentment network 66. Alternativelyother actions may be taken, such as to assess late charges, todiscontinue the ability to purchase on credit, or other steps which aretaken against the purchaser entity who provided the bad check. Of coursethis description of the activities carried out by check presentmentnetworks is highly simplified, but is sufficient for purposes ofunderstanding the exemplary embodiments.

The exemplary system 10 further includes the capabilities for the deviceto be in operative connection with one or more payment processingnetworks. Such payment processing networks may include, for example,servers associated with a credit card network 78. Credit card network 78is accessible through one or more public or private networksschematically indicated 80. Credit card network 78 provides thecapabilities for participants to charge for purchases against creditcard accounts that are maintained by such participants. Such accountsmay be affiliated with credit card organizations such as for example,VISA, MasterCard, Discover or American Express. Such credit card networkenable participants to make charges against their financial accounts forpurchased items and then to make payment to such accounts for suchpurposes.

Alternatively the exemplary system has the capability for the device tobe in operative connection with one or more debit card networksschematically represented by servers 82. Such debit card networks 82 arein operative connection with computers of financial institutionsschematically indicated 84 in which entities hold checking accounts orsimilar accounts from which funds can be withdrawn. Debit card networks84 enable participants to make payment for goods or services theyreceive through electronic funds transfers which accomplish deductionsfrom the respective accounts. Such debit card networks may be operatedby entities such as Pulse, Vantiv, Cirrus, Star or Plus, for example.

Exemplary embodiments may also communicate with servers associated withfinancial institutions or other similar entities schematically indicated86 that are operative to advance lines of credit to purchasers whoparticipate in the system. Such lender institutions 86 may providepurchasers of goods with funds on an as-needed basis for purposes ofcarrying out purchaser business operations. Such lenders may operatesystems so as to advance funds for payments in a manner similar to thepayment of funds from checking accounts or credit accounts for suchbusiness entities who do not have such funds immediately on hand. Ofcourse it should be understood that the types of financial networkswhich are accessible through operation of the system 10 are exemplaryand in other arrangements, other or different types of financial relatednetworks may be operated and accessed in conjunction with the systemoperation.

Exemplary embodiments are used in connection with systems in which oneor more vendors deliver goods to purchasers and through which thevendors receive payment for the delivered goods. In exemplaryarrangements, the goods include food items that are delivered tooperators of eating establishments such as restaurants. However, inother arrangements other types of goods and payments may be handled. Forexample, exemplary systems may be utilized in connection with deliveriesto retail outlets such as stores. Exemplary arrangements may also handlegoods such as beverages including items such as beer and wine, thedistribution of which may need to be tracked for regulatory and taxpurposes. Other exemplary systems may be utilized to distribute othertypes of goods such as tires to service centers. Other exemplary systemsmay involve the distribution of auto parts to auto repair shops and/orto resellers. Other examples may involve the distribution of consumerproducts to retail outlets. Further embodiments may be used for thedistribution of other goods such as drug items, ammunition or otherthings that require regulation and tracking. Example embodiments may beapplied to various types of goods or services for which orders can beplaced and payments can be received.

In the exemplary arrangement, the system is operated to receive ordersfor food items from purchasers. This process for receiving such ordersis carried out in the exemplary embodiment by the central serverarrangement 60. Of course it should be understood that in otherexemplary arrangements, other servers or the portable devices themselvesmay be operative to carry out the functions that are described as beingcarried out by the central server.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of the logic flow associated with thereceipt of orders for goods through the central server. Orders frompurchasers are received in a first logic step 88. The receipt of ordersin step 88 may be accomplished by purchasers communicating goods ordersto the central server from electronic terminals such as purchaserterminal 90 which is shown in FIG. 1. Purchaser terminal 90 may in someembodiments include a personal computer, smart phone, tablet or othersuitable computing device that can present information associated withthe purchaser and the desired goods to the central server. In exemplaryarrangements, the purchaser terminal operates to communicate thepurchaser's identity and if necessary, the purchaser location where thegoods need to be delivered. Further, the purchaser terminal maycommunicate the type and quantity of the goods to be delivered. Thepurchaser terminal may also be operated to indicate the timing for thedeliveries and to provide other information associated with thetransaction to be carried out. In some exemplary arrangements, thecentral server may also provide to the purchaser terminal informationabout pricing, quality or other tems that may be pertinent to thepurchaser for purposes of placing their order. Of course it should beunderstood that these aspects of the purchase order placement step 88are exemplary and in other arrangements, other approaches may be used.

In the exemplary logic flow represented in FIG. 2, central server 60operates in accordance with its programming to determine if thepurchaser attempting to place the order is authorized to use the system.Further in exemplary arrangements, the central server may operate toconduct other status checks concerning the purchaser such as whether thepurchaser is in default of payments, over a credit limit, recently had acheck dishonored or is otherwise not allowed to place orders through thesystem. This activity is represented by a step 92. The server thendetermines based on the information about the purchaser, whether thepurchaser is authorized to place the order through the system asrepresented in a step 94. If the purchaser is determined not to beauthorized to place the order, then the central server acts to cause thepotential purchaser's request to be declined and/or sent to a specialoperation for handling in the manner appropriate for the particularpurchaser. This is represented in a step 96.

If the purchaser placing the order is authorized, the central server 60of the exemplary embodiment operates in accordance with its programmingto cause the items associated with the order to be compiled. This isrepresented in a step 98. The compilation of the items may include forexample sending information about what is to be included in the deliverycorresponding to the order to a warehouse or other facility orindividual so that the items to be delivered can be compiled and/oracquired for purposes of delivering them to the purchaser.

The exemplary central server then operates in accordance with itsprogramming to generate the records associated with the particularpurchase transaction. This includes generating invoice data for therequested delivery. The generation of invoice data which is representedin a step 100 includes in the exemplary embodiment, generating theinformation that will go on an invoice that corresponds to the deliveryto be made. In the exemplary arrangement, this includes the generationof a transaction identifier, a listing of the items to be delivered, theamounts to be paid in connection with the delivered items, informationidentifying the vendor of the items and the purchaser of the items, abar code or other indicia to be included in the invoice or relateddocuments, and any other indicia to be included thereon. After theinvoice data is generated, the central server 60 then operates inaccordance with its programming to print the invoice document,acknowledgment document or other documents to be delivered with and/orwhich correspond to the particular transaction. This is represented in astep 102. For purposes of this disclosure an invoice will be deemed toinclude an invoice associated with a delivery of goods as well asseparable portions thereof and separate record documents that areassociated or provided with a delivery of goods. An invoice may includea remittance advice, payment stub, delivery acknowledgement or otherrecord or portion thereof that includes indicia usable to identify theitems provided to the purchaser and for the particular transactionassociated therewith. In an exemplary arrangement, the system isoperative to cause an invoice document to be printed at an appropriatelocation so that it can be received by the individual who is responsiblefor delivering the order. It should be understood that such a documentmay be printed at a printer that is remote from the central server 60.An example of an invoice which may be utilized in connection with someexemplary arrangements is represented by invoice 104 shown in FIG. 9.

In the exemplary arrangement, the exemplary central server 60 isoperative to carry out the steps associated with staging the delivery.This is represented in FIG. 2 in a step 106. Staging the delivery mayinclude, for example, directing that the items included in the deliveryand that correspond to the order be sent to a particular location fromwhich a delivery vehicle may be dispatched. Such staging may alsoinclude assigning a method for transporting the items to the purchaserfacility where they are needed. Such staging delivery activities mayalso include assigning the delivery to a particular delivery vehicle orindividual responsible for the territory in which the delivery is to bemade. Staging the delivery may also include sending notifications andreceiving confirmations so that everything necessary to complete thedelivery of the items is in place.

After the completion of step 106 in staging the delivery, the centralserver 60 is then operative to cause the delivery to be dispatched. Thisis represented in a step 108. The dispatch of the delivery may includeactivities such as messages which cause the items in the particularorder to be loaded into a particular vehicle. Dispatching the deliverymay also include providing to the individual who makes the deliverythrough the delivery vehicle, instructions to stop at the purchaser'sfacility where the goods are needed and deliver the items. Further, thedispatch of the delivery may also include providing to the individualwho will make the delivery, the invoice or other documents that areassociated with the particular order. Additional steps may also includesending to the device associated with the individual, information aboutthe particular order so that the individual knows to make the particulardelivery. This may include, for example, providing information about theplace, time, type and quantity of goods and other things that arerequired to be carried out in connection with the order. Of course itshould be understood that the steps represented in FIG. 2 are exemplaryhigh level steps. Additional steps are generally required in connectionwith order scheduling, management and delivery. Further in otherembodiments other or different steps may be carried out.

FIGS. 3-5 describe a high level schematic logic flow carried out throughoperation of the exemplary device 12 in connection with a delivery ofitems to a purchaser by the individual who is responsible for deliveringsuch items. In the exemplary arrangement, the device 12 includessecurity features that limit the operation of the components thereof toauthorized individuals. As represented in step 110 in FIG. 3, theindividual wishing to use the device must first be verified as anauthorized user of the device in order to carry out device functions.The authentication of the individual and their rights to carry out thefunctions of the device may be done in numerous different ways. Forexample in an exemplary arrangement, the individual may be required toprovide inputs that include their e-mail address and a particularpassword. An exemplary display screen 112 shown in FIG. 11 correspondsto a user authentication step of this type. FIG. 11 shows an outputscreen which may be output from the display 22 of the device in order toprompt the user to input this information. The user may then input thisinformation to the device using a keypad that appears on the screen ofthe device when the display is a touch screen, or may alternativelyinput such information through a keypad, audio interface or other inputdevice. Once the individual has input this information, they provide aninput selecting the “login” as shown in FIG. 11. In response to thisuser input, the exemplary device 12 causes the processor circuit 54 tooperate to determine if the input data corresponds to data for anauthorized user in the data store 58. This is represented in FIG. 3 by astep 114. If the input data corresponds to an authorized user, thedevice enables the user to further operate the device. If the inputs donot correspond to an authorized user, operation of the device is notauthorized and the user is allowed to try again to provide their inputcredentials. Of course it should be understood that limits on the numberof unsuccessful login attempts permitted before the device locks itselfout in accordance with its programming, may be included as a feature ofthe device.

In other exemplary arrangements, individuals may be identified asauthorized users of the device by providing biometric inputs through thebiometric reader 44 of the device. In response to the biometric input,the processor circuit 54 may operate in accordance with its programmingto determine if the biometric input data corresponds to data for anauthorized user in the at least one data store 58. If the input datacorresponds to the authorized individual user, then the device isenabled to be further operated and a login to the device enabled. If thedata does not correspond, no further operation of the functionsdescribed is permitted other than a later login attempt.

While the operation of the device 12 for purposes of authenticating auser has been described as comparing input information from the user todata stored in a data store in the device, it should be understood thatin other arrangements, input data may be transmitted from the devicethrough operation of the wireless communication interface to the centralserver 60 or other remote computer for authentication. The individualinput information may be verified as corresponding to an authorized userby comparison and/or manipulation of the data at a remote system andthen authorization to operate the device sent in messages from theremote system. Of course it should be understood that these approachesare exemplary and in other arrangements, other approaches may be used.

Once the individual in possession of the device has been verified as anauthorized user, the individual may operate the device to document theactivities associated with a delivery of goods to a purchaser and toreceive payments in connection therewith. As represented in FIG. 12,when an individual making such a delivery is ready to receive a payment,the individual may select a capture payment option by providing an inputin response to the screen 116 output from the display shown in FIG. 12.In response to the individual providing the input corresponding to anindication that they wish to capture a payment for goods delivered, theprocessing circuitry of the exemplary device 12 is operative inaccordance with its programming to cause the display to output a screen118 shown in FIG. 13. Screen 118 provides a prompt to the individual toinput a payment amount. In the exemplary arrangement, the screen 118prompts the individual to input a monetary amount that corresponds to apayment that is received from a purchaser in connection with thedelivery of goods. In response to the prompt shown in FIG. 13, theindividual inputs the amount received in payment from the purchaserthrough at least one input to the device. Provision of this input isrepresented by a step 120 in FIG. 3. It should be understood that thisinput amount may be provided through a keypad presented on a touchscreen display, a separate keypad or other type of input device.

After inputting the payment amount in step 120, the individual operatingthe device is then prompted to operate the device to read invoice data.This is represented in a step 122. In the exemplary arrangement, theprocessor circuit of the device is operative to cause the screen 124shown in FIG. 14 to be presented through the display of the device. Inresponse to presentation of the screen 124, the individual is promptedto provide an input in which the invoice is “captured.” In the exemplaryembodiment, this refers to using the at least one reader 20 of thedevice to read invoice data from the invoice. This includes in anexemplary embodiment the device 12 operating to capture an image of theinvoice through operation of the reader device such as an imager orcamera of the device. The reading of the invoice data is represented inFIG. 7. In addition, as represented in FIG. 14 if the invoice associatedwith a particular delivery has multiple pages, the individual isprompted to operate the reader to read the invoice data from all thepages associated with the invoice. Further, in the exemplaryarrangement, the programming associated with the processor circuitenables a user to cancel and delete invoice data in the event that theappearance of the invoice data on the screen of the device is somehowincorrect or improper. As can be appreciated from FIG. 14, in theexemplary arrangement the user is enabled to view the image of theinvoice including the read invoice data from the display of the device.This helps to assure that the desired invoice data is properly readthrough operation of the device.

In some exemplary arrangements, the device may also operate softwarewhich helps to facilitate the reading of image and other data by thedevice. For example, an exemplary embodiment operates software availablefrom Mitek Corporation which enables the reading and analysis of imagedata. Such software analyzes the read data to verify that the data thathas been read includes the data required. In other arrangements, thesoftware may operate to assure that the image quality, contrast andother aspects of the read image data is suitable for analysis of thecharacters that are represented therein. Further in some exemplaryarrangements, the exemplary software may be operative to cause thedevice to provide outputs in the event that read image data is notsuitable for operation of the system, and may prompt a user to reconductthe image reading activity. Of course these approaches are exemplary andin other arrangements, other approaches may be used.

After the invoice data has been read in a step 122, the exemplary deviceoperates in accordance with its programming to prompt the user tooperate the device to read check data from a check that the individualhas received in payment in connection with the delivery that has beenmade. In the exemplary arrangement, the processor circuit of the deviceis operative to cause the display to output a screen 126 as representedin FIG. 15. Screen 126 prompts a user to use the device to read checkdata from the check provided by a purchaser. This is represented in FIG.3 by step 128. In the exemplary arrangement, the processor circuit ofthe device is operative to prompt the user to read check data from boththe front side and the rear side of the financial check. This is becausewhile the front side of the check includes most of the data of interestto the system as later discussed, information on the rear side of thecheck may be necessary for purposes of check processing.

An exemplary check 130 is shown in FIG. 8. The reading of check datafrom check 130 by the device 12 is represented in FIG. 6.

It should be appreciated that in this exemplary embodiment with thedisplay screens shown, the device 12 is only configured to enable theindividual to accept payments in the form of checks. In other exemplaryarrangements which are later discussed, the device and system isconfigured to accept multiple different types of payments and also toprocess credits on behalf of purchasers. Further it should be understoodthat in the exemplary arrangement, the checks received by the individualmaking the deliveries may be in amounts that do not correspond to theamount on the invoice associated with the delivery. This may occur, forexample, when the purchaser is making payment not only for the goodscurrently being delivered, but also paying toward a balance that thepurchaser may owe for other deliveries or items. In these circumstances,the exemplary embodiments facilitate resolution of the applicableaccounts receivable of the vendor to which the purchaser's payment is toapply.

Also in exemplary arrangements, software functions similar to thatdescribed in connection with the reading of invoice data may be appliedto the reading of check data. This includes analyzing the check datathat is received and verifying that it is suitable for processing oralternatively providing an indication to the individual operating thedevice that the check data that has been read is not suitable and needsto be read again through operation of the device. Of course it should beunderstood that these steps are exemplary and in other embodiments,other approaches may be used.

Once the check data has been read, the processor circuit of the deviceis operative to cause the display to output a screen 132 represented inFIG. 16. Screen 132 indicates to the individual that they have input theamount that has been received, and operated the device to read checkdata and the invoice data. Screen 132 then prompts the user to providean input to indicate that they are ready to submit the transaction andcommit to carrying the transaction forward with the data that has beenprovided. This logic step associated with committing the transaction isrepresented by a step 134 in FIG. 3.

In the event that the individual operating the device fails to providean input indicating that they wish to commit the transaction within agiven time or otherwise provides an inappropriate input, the processorcircuit of the device is operative to clear the transaction and requirethat the data again be input and read. Alternatively if in step 134, theindividual indicates that they are prepared to commit the transaction,the processor circuit of the device is operative to cause the display 22of the device to output the screen 136 as represented in FIG. 17. Thisscreen informs the individual operating the device that the transactionhas been submitted.

In some exemplary arrangements, the device 12 is operative to carry outthe necessary processing to complete the receipt of money and thetransfers as appropriate to obtain payment of the check and to transferthe funds corresponding thereto, into a bank account or other accountassociated with the vendor. However, in the exemplary arrangement thesesteps are carried out with the assistance of the central server 60. Inthis arrangement, the read image data, read check data, amount data andother information is sent to the central server for processing. This isrepresented in FIG. 3 by a step 138.

In the exemplary arrangement after transmitting the data associated withthe purchaser transaction to the central server 60 through the wirelesscommunication interface 48, the device is operative to cause theinformation to be stored in the data store 58 associated with thedevice. This is represented in a step 140. Further, in an exemplaryembodiment the device may communicate with the depository 38 included inthe delivery vehicle 14 concerning the details of the check that hasbeen received from the particular purchaser. Communication of thesedetails to the depository circuit 36 provides information about theparticular check that the individual should have deposited into thedepository after receiving it from the purchaser. This information canbe used later to verify that none of the checks that the individualreceived from purchasers in connection with the delivery of goods havebeen misappropriated or modified. Of course these approaches areexemplary and in other arrangements, other approaches may be used.

In exemplary arrangements, it may be desirable after the individual hasreceived the check from the purchaser, to provide the purchaser withdocumentation concerning the transaction. This may be done, for example,by the individual providing inputs to the device that cause the printingof a receipt for the transaction. This may be accomplished, for example,by the device communicating with the printer circuit 32 so as to causethe printer 34 to print for the purchaser a receipt. The printer 34 maybe carried by the individual or alternatively included in the deliveryvehicle so that the individual can provide the purchaser with theprinted receipt at the time of the transaction.

Alternatively or in addition, the device may be operated to cause anelectronic receipt to be sent from the device to a purchaser terminalsuch as terminal 90. Such an electronic receipt may be sent from thedevice 12 or alternatively the operation of the device may cause thereceipt to be sent from the central server. In this way, the purchaserhas a record of the delivery being made. The record data sent to thepurchaser may include numerous details about the delivery, including forexample, the date, time, delivery locations, goods, pricing, charges,payment methods, credits and other transaction related data. Theseactions of the exemplary device are represented in a step 142.

Of course it should be understood that the steps represented in FIG. 3are exemplary and in other arrangements, other or different approachesmay be used. Further, while in the exemplary arrangement, the readinvoice data, read check data and other information are sent from thedevice 12 to the central server 60, in some arrangements the centralserver or other remote computer may operate to provide direct control ofthe device 12 carried by the individual. In such a system, the device 12may include only a very thin client with the control for and outputsfrom the device 12 including outputs from the display, etc. providedthrough instructions delivered in messages from a remote server. In suchan arrangement, read data from the reader would be sent directly to thecentral server may not be stored locally within the device. Of course itshould be understood that these approaches are exemplary and in otherembodiments, other arrangements may be used.

FIGS. 4 and 5 represent schematically high level logic flow carried outthrough operation of the central server 60 or other related computingdevices which function to complete the processing of the data associatedwith the delivery of goods to purchasers.

In the exemplary arrangement, the programming associated with thecentral server is first operative to analyze the read invoice data andread check data. This is represented by steps 144 and 146 in FIG. 4.Also in these steps, the data values that are included in the invoicedata and the check data are resolved so that such values may be utilizedin connection with the particular transaction.

For example, in exemplary arrangements, software operated in the centralserver determines the locations within a received image file wherevalues of interest are located. As can be understood, the device 12sends read invoice data that corresponds to an electronic representationof visual images of the invoice. Likewise the read check datacorresponds to an electronic representation of a visual image of bothsides of the check. For example in the exemplary invoice 104 shown inFIG. 9, the programming associated with the central server is operativeto identify the data included in areas bounded by dashed lines withinthe electronic representation of the invoice. In this exemplaryarrangement, these data items include a transaction identifier in theform of an invoice number 148. Other exemplary data fields in theinvoice data which may be used by an exemplary system include dataincluded in a vendor identifying field 150. As can be appreciated, thedata included in the vendor identifying field may be utilized toidentify the particular vendor associated with this purchasetransaction. This information is used by the central system to identifythe particular vendor to which the transaction pertains. Of course insome arrangements such information can be resolved based on thetransaction identifier 148.

Exemplary invoice 104 further includes a field with a customeridentifying number 152. The data included in field 152 may serve as apurchaser identifier to the system. Alternatively or in addition, thepurchaser identifying data may also include data that identifies aparticular purchaser location to which the invoice pertains in caseswhere the purchaser has multiple locations. A further exemplary field154 corresponds to a written purchaser name and address.

The exemplary invoice 104 further includes an invoice amount field 156.The invoice amount field corresponds to the amount charged to thepurchaser by the particular vendor in connection with the delivery ofthe items represented in the invoice. Further, exemplary invoices mayinclude machine readable indicia such as one or two-dimensional barcodes. Such machine readable indicia represented in FIG. 9 by thetwo-dimensional bar code or QR code 158 may include or enable resolutionof numerous items of data or items of data from which informationcorresponding to the invoice where the goods or services representedthereon correspond. For example in some arrangements, the bar code 158may include all the information related to the particular delivery whichis represented in the invoice.

In the exemplary step 144 represented in FIG. 4, software operating inthe central server is operative to analyze the data included in one ormore of the fields included on the invoice. The analysis of theelectronic representation of the visual image is represented throughnumerous pixel values included in the image. This data is analyzedthrough character recognition software and electronic image manipulationsoftware to resolve the values which correspond to the data in theselected fields. Such software for carrying out these types of imageanalysis are available from companies such as Mitek Corporation, A2iA,Unisys or other providers of character analysis and recognitionsoftware. Once the values of interest are resolved from the invoice,they may be stored in a data store for use in connection with theprocessing later described.

Similar to the analysis conducted for data included in read invoicedata, read check data is also analyzed for purposes of resolving valuesand information included in the read check data. As shown in FIG. 8, thefront of check 130 includes numerous different items of information.Such items include in the exemplary arrangement are a printed name ofthe check payor or maker indicated 160. The check payor will generallycorrespond to the purchaser name in exemplary arrangements, but in otherembodiments may not.

Further data included on the front side of the check includes the checkpayee 162. The payee in the exemplary embodiment corresponds to thevendor who is to receive the payment from the purchaser for the goodsdelivered and perhaps for other items. The check further includes a date164. The date data indicates the date on which the check is written. Theexemplary check 130 further includes check number 166. The check numbercorresponds to the particular numbering system utilized by the payor ofthe check.

Further data items included on the face of the check include the legalamount for which the check has been written 168. The legal amount 168 isthe amount written in words for the dollar value of the check. The frontof the check also includes the courtesy amount 170 which is a numericalrepresentation of the check value. While both the legal amount and thecourtesy amount appear on the check, the legal amount is considered thecontrolling value and the amount for which the check has been written.The courtesy amount is used to verify the legal amount.

Further appearing on the face of the exemplary check 130 is the bankname 172. The bank name identifies the particular bank on which thecheck is written and with which the maker of the check has theiraccount. Other information appearing on the exemplary check is thenotation 176. Notation 176 corresponds to information the maker of thecheck has chosen to include on the face of the check for record keepingor other purposes. A notation, similar to notation 174 is generallyprovided so that the writer of the check has a record on the cancelledcheck of the particular transaction for which the check was written. Thecheck further includes the maker's signature 176. The maker's signatureis the authority of the payor to pay the check instrument. Of course ascan be appreciated, check 130 is a personal check. Other types of checksfrom commercial or other entities will generally include a printed orstamped payor authorization.

Further included on the front of the exemplary check 130 is a micr line.The micr line includes magnetic ink character recognition characters.These characters can be read through operation of a magnetic reader aswell as by optical character recognition methods. The micr line on theexemplary check 178 will include data which corresponds to theparticular payor's account number which is alternatively referred to asthe check maker's account number, as well as the financial institutionthat holds such account. The micr line data also includes data usable toroute the particular check to the bank to which it can be presented forpurposes of paying the check amount from the account of the payor/maker.

It should also be understood that although only the front of theparticular check is shown, other data may be included on the rear of thecheck. Generally the rear of the check includes the endorsement data ofthe payee of the check. The endorsement of the payee indicates that thepayee has negotiated the check for purposes of presenting the check tothe payor's financial institution and receiving payment. Of course otherinformation may also be included on the rear of the check includingcertain restrictive endorsements or other information that may be usefulfor purposes of check processing.

In the exemplary arrangement in step 146, the check data which is mostuseful in connection with processing transactions includes the courtesyand legal amount information related to the check. That is why thisinformation is shown within the fields of interest of the checkrepresented by the dashed lines in FIG. 8. The courtesy and legalamounts are of interest because they indicate the amount of the checkand whether there is a discrepancy between the two different amounts. Inaddition, the micr line data is of interest. This is because the micrline indicates information concerning the account and the bank on whichthe particular check is drawn. For some commercial checks the micr linemay also represent other data such as the check amount. The micr lineinformation enables routing of the check for presentment and payment.

In other exemplary arrangements, additional data in fields on the checkmay be analyzed for purposes of resolving the data therefrom. This mayinclude, for example, making sure that the check is completely filledout with all the appropriate information. Such analysis may also help toassure that the payee of the check is the appropriate entity. In otherarrangements, the signature of the payor of the check may be analyzed todetermine if it is genuine. In still other arrangements, all the fieldson the front and rear of the check may be analyzed to assure that all ofthe data that is required on a legal check is present or for featureswhich may indicate a fraudulent check. Computer software which is usableto conduct such an analysis is produced by entities such as MitekCorporation, A2iA, Unisys and others. In the exemplary arrangement suchsoftware is operated in step 146 to resolve the values of interest fromthe read check data.

As represented in FIG. 4, in order to assure that data from the invoiceand the check has been properly read and analyzed, the central servermakes a determination based on a software analysis that the datarequired has been resolved from the read data with a sufficient degreeof confidence. In exemplary systems, character recognition softwareoperates to not only resolve the “best match” for the data representedin fields of interest, but also indicates the degree to which thesoftware is confident that the data has been resolved correctly. Incases where the characters are not well formed or the captured imagesare not of sufficient clarity, the confidence level for certain valuesmay not be as high as would be desirable. In a step 180, thedetermination is made whether all the data has been resolved withadequate confidence. If the data has been resolved with confidence thatit is at least at a threshold, the processing of the data continues.

Alternatively if the data is not resolved with sufficient confidence,the central server operates in a step 182 to try to increase theconfidence levels. Step 182 may include, for example, carrying out imagemanipulation functions for the captured invoice or check data that isproviding the low confidence levels. Such image manipulation mayinclude, for example, modifying the electronic data in the images tochange pixel values or to change pixel values to binary values ratherthan grayscale values. Such changes may facilitate the ability toresolve characters included in the fields of interest. Alternatively,step 182 may include the application of different character recognitionalgorithms or taking other steps that are designed to resolve the datain the fields of interest and to increase the level of confidence in theresolved data.

Once the data has been resolved with adequate confidence, the centralserver then carries out a step 184 in which it is determined that therequired character fields are valid. This includes the central servermaking a determination that the purchaser data corresponds to apurchaser that is authorized to make purchases through the system. Thismay also include verifying that the transaction identifier 148associated with the transaction corresponds to the other data for thetransaction, such as the purchaser and the amount of the transaction asreceived in the invoice data.

In response to the determination in step 184 that the purchasertransaction identifier and invoice amount data correspond to data storedin the system, the central server is then operative to compare thepayment data from the read check data and the invoice amountcorresponding to the invoice. This is done in a step 186. The result ofthe comparison of the amount that was input by the individual carryingout the transaction and the invoice amount is analyzed to see if theyare the same at a step 188. In a step 190, the central server isoperative to compare the amount of the check received and the invoiceamount. The result of this comparison is then reviewed in a step 192.

If in either of the steps 184, 188 or 192 there is a potentialdiscrepancy, the central server operates in accordance with itsprogramming to identify the situation as being associated with adiscrepancy. In the exemplary arrangement, the central server operatesin accordance with the teachings of the incorporated disclosures in U.S.patent application Ser. No. 13/486,497 which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety, to automatically attempt to resolve anydiscrepancies and to appl amounts included in payments made by thepurchaser to amounts that are owed by the purchaser to the vendor. Forexample, such circumstances may commonly arise where the purchase haspaid more than the amount due for the goods delivered in connection withthe invoice. The discrepancy handling step 194 as represented in FIG. 4,is operative to determine the reason that the purchaser has paid theadditional amount and to properly apply the additional amount to unpaidinvoices, upcoming deliveries or other outstanding amounts owed. Thecentral server then operates to determine in a step 196 whether thediscrepancy was handled on an automated basis in step 194. If not, thecentral server is operative to flag the particular transactioninformation and to deliver the information to a user terminal of aservice provider for purposes of manual processing. This is representedin a step 198. The manual processing by the service provider willgenerally include reviewing the pertinent information from the systemand applying the payment or otherwise gathering additional informationand providing additional inputs so as to resolve any discrepancies.

It should be appreciated that in exemplary arrangements where the stepsrepresented in FIGS. 4 and 5 are carried out through operation of thedevice 12, the discrepancy information may be presented to theindividual for purposes of resolution. This may be appropriate insituations where the operator of the system is a small business whodelivers goods to a limited number of customers who may have theinformation as is appropriate to resolve the discrepancy. In suchsituations the input devices associated with the device 12 may beutilized for purposes of providing the additional information and inputsso as to resolve discrepancies. Alternatively, in other situations wheresystems may involve large numbers of purchaser entities and numerousvendor entities, remote terminals associated with the particular vendorentity's service representatives may be operative to present thediscrepancy information for purposes of identifying issues and forproviding resolution. Numerous different alternative approaches may berequired depending on the nature of the particular system.

In the exemplary system in connection with the transaction described,the central server 60 then operates to carry out electronic checkpresentment as represented in a step 200. As previously discussed,electronic check presentment includes providing information concerningthe amount of the particular check and the bank and account informationon which the check is drawn to the check presentment network 66. Inexemplary arrangements, the check is presented as an image replacementdocument which corresponds to an electronic representation of the frontand back of the check. The data regarding the check amount, payor andpayee information is also provided with the electronic representation ofthe check. Generally in exemplary embodiments, the check is presented onbehalf of a financial institution into which the vendor who is the payeeof the check will make a deposit including the amount of the check. Theinformation sent with the check includes information concerning thevendor bank and bank account so as to facilitate the receipt of paymentwhen the check is paid. Further in exemplary arrangements checks thatare sent to the check presentation network are sent in groups or bundleswith other checks received by the particular vendor or multiple vendorswho use the system, so as to facilitate the payment processing. Ofcourse these approaches may vary depending on the nature of theparticular system.

Once a check has been presented to the bank on which it is drawn, thecheck will generally be paid from the payor's account. However, in theevent that the payor does not have sufficient money in their account,the check will be dishonored. A determination is made at a step 202concerning whether the check has been paid. If the check has been paid,the funds are effectively transferred through the check processingnetwork to the bank account associated with the vendor, and the centralserver operates to cause the amount of the paid check to be credited tothe vendor account as represented in a step 204. Alternatively in theevent that the check is dishonored, steps associated with a check returnprocess are carried out as represented in a step 206. The check returnprocess indicates that the check could not be paid and therefore theright to again present the check for payment at a later date is reservedto the vendor should the vendor wish to do so. In some exemplaryembodiments the check return process 206 may include re-presentment ofthe check automatically after the passage of a certain period of time.This approach might be effective to have the check paid in the eventthat the deficiency in the payor's account was due to a temporary cashflow problem, for example.

In the exemplary arrangement the result of the check presentment processis posted in a step 208. Step 208 generally involves the record keepingfunctions of noting in the vendor account that the purchaser has paidthe amount associated with the paid check. Such steps may also includeindicating in a vendor account that the purchaser has paid to the vendorthe amount associated with the invoice or a different amount.Alternatively if a provisional credit has been granted in connectionwith the check, the provisional credit may be revoked due to thenonpayment of the particular check. Such data is posted or recorded inconnection with the various accounts.

In a step 210, additional steps may be taken in accordance with theprogramming associated with the central server 60 and the particularrequirements and practices of the vendor and system operator. Forexample, if a check has been dishonored, the system may be operated soas to generate an electronic notification of the status to a vendorrepresentative. Such electronic notice of the nonpayment of the checkmay also be sent in an electronic message to the purchaser terminal 90.Alternatively or in addition, a status revision may be implemented andstored in a data store in the system. Such a statue revision mayindicate that orders are no longer to be accepted from the particularpurchaser absent specific approval. Alternatively status changes mayinclude, for example, a requirement that a purchaser pay for any goodsto be delivered in advance so that payment by check can be documented asvalid before the goods are delivered. Alternatively or in addition, thepayment status may be changed in the system so that the individualdelivering the goods is required to not leave them with the purchaserunless the purchaser makes payment for the goods at the time of deliveryin cash. Of course such actions included in step 210 are exemplary andin other arrangements, other approaches may be used.

Alternative exemplary embodiments of the system may provide additionalpayments and other capabilities in connection with the deliveries byvendors to purchasers. Such alternatives may include the ability of theindividual who makes the deliveries and accepts payments to receiveadditional payment types from purchasers. Such payment types may alsoinclude the ability to receive multiple forms of payment in connectionwith a given delivery. Such capabilities in exemplary systems may alsoinclude capabilities to process credit items in connection withtransactions. Such credit items include documents or other items whichcorrespond to a credit that is to be provided to a purchaser inconnection with the transaction or transactions that are conductedbetween the purchaser and the vendor.

FIG. 18 represents schematically logic flow executed through operationof an exemplary device 12 that is used in a system in which multipledifferent types of payment methods can be accommodated. In the exemplarylogic flow, a user of the device is first authorized to operate thedevice's functions and capabilities. This is represented in a step 212.Step 212 includes the capability for verifying the identity of theparticular individual who is to operate the device. Step 212 maycorrespond to the activities discussed in connection with steps 110 and114 of the previous embodiment. Alternatively, step 212 may includeadditional steps for verifying the identity of the individual as anauthorized user.

In the exemplary arrangement, the processor circuit of the device isthen operated to enable receipt of an amount input from the individual.This is represented in a step 214. Step 214 may correspond to an amountinput in a manner like that discussed in connection with step 120 of theprior embodiment.

The device then operates to read invoice data in a step 216. The readingof invoice data corresponds to capturing information on an invoicedocument or documents associated with the particular transaction. Thereading of invoice data in step 216 may include those activities thatwere discussed in connection with step 122 of the previously discussedembodiment.

In this alternative embodiment, the individual is enabled to provide oneor more inputs to select different payment types that may be associatedwith the payment or payments received from the purchaser in connectionwith the particular delivery transaction. The selection of theparticular payment type through one or more inputs is represented in astep 218. In the exemplary arrangement, the selectable payment typesinclude payment via check, the receipt of cash, or payment using a cardaccount such as a credit card, debit card or stored value card. Furtherin the exemplary embodiment the purchaser is enabled to obtain creditsassociated with credit items that the purchaser has received. The credititems correspond to an amount which the purchaser is entitled to havecredited against amounts owed to the vendor. Of course it should beunderstood that these payment type selections in this embodiment areexemplary and in other embodiments, additional types of payments ordifferent or lesser numbers of payment types may be provided throughoperation of the device and the system.

In the exemplary arrangement, if the payment type selected correspondsto a payment by check, the device then operates to execute a step 220 inwhich check data is read. The reading of check data may correspond toactivities like those discussed in connection with step 128 of thepreviously discussed embodiment. After the reading of the check data,the processor circuit of the device then operates to provide theindividual with an appropriate output that queries the individual as towhether or not there are more payment items to be received from thepurchaser in connection with the transaction. This is represented in astep 222. If more payment items are to be received, then the logic flowreturns to step 218 to enable selection of another payment type.

In the exemplary arrangement instead of receiving a check payment, theindividual delivering the goods may receive the payment of cash. Thismay be required in some instances where the purchaser is only entitledto receive goods in exchange for immediate payment of cash upondelivery. Alternatively in some arrangements, vendors and/or purchasersmay prefer payment in cash. In response to selection of this paymenttype in step 218, the processor circuitry operates to provide outputsthrough the display that prompts the individual to provide inputs of theamount of cash received from the purchaser. This is represented in astep 224. In response to the prompt, the individual operating the deviceinputs the cash amount. In some arrangements, the input cash amount mayinclude only a total. Alternatively in other arrangements, theindividual may be prompted to input the denomination of each item ofbills or coins that have been received from the purchaser. For example,the prompts may include the requirement that the individual input thenumber of $100 bills, the number of $50 bills, and so on for thedenomination of each type of bill or coin received. This may be done insome arrangements to facilitate the development of an audit trail inconnection with cash received. Of course these approaches are exemplaryand in other arrangements, other approaches may be used.

After inputting the cash amount received, the device then operates inaccordance with its programming to prompt a user to provide at least oneconfirmation input that they have placed the cash in the depository 38or other appropriate receptacle for holding the cash. This isrepresented in a step 226. In response to the individual operating thedevice providing the confirmation input that the cash has been placed inthe depository, the device then operates in accordance with itsprogramming to cause communication between the wireless port 30 and thedepository circuit 36 to cause to be stored in connection with thedepository circuit, the information regarding the nature, amount,transaction identifier, purchaser or other data associated with theparticular cash. This is represented in a step 228. In exemplaryarrangements, this data is stored in connection with the depositorycircuitry as well as in the data store associated with the device forpurposes of providing an audit trail so that any misappropriation ofcash can be detected. After the completion of step 228, the logic flowreturns to the step 222 to enable the exercise of more payment options.

In the event that in step 218 payment by a card transaction isrequested, the logic flow causes the device to operate to carry out acredit card, debit card or stored value card transaction in which fundsare paid from a card associated account of the purchaser. In anexemplary arrangement, the device causes the card reader 26 to read carddata from a user's card such as the card schematically indicated 28. Thereading of card data is represented in a step 230. As previouslymentioned, the reading of card data may be done on a contact basis byreading magnetic stripe data from the card and/or reading data from aprocessor chip included on the card. Such read card data generallyincludes reading data that corresponds to an account number with whichthe card and the holder thereof is associated and from which a paymentamount can be paid.

After the reading of the card data in step 230, the exemplaryarrangement requires an appropriate input of any validation data thatmay be required for purposes of processing the card payment transaction.These additional inputs are represented by a step 232.

For example, in the case of a credit card payment transaction,processing the transaction may require the input of a card verificationvalue (“CVV”) which is included on the back of the card. In suchtransactions, the logic flow executed through operation of the processorcircuit may cause the display of the device 12 to prompt the individualto input the CVV value through an input device thereon. Alternatively inthe case of a debit card transaction, the input of a customer personalidentification number or a purchaser signature may be required in orderto process the debit card transaction. In such cases the individual mayprovide the device to purchaser or a purchaser representative for theprivate input of the customer's personal identification number.Alternatively the device may include software to capture a customersignature. For example, in some arrangements a purchaser signature maybe captured by the purchaser representative “writing” their signature bypassing their finger across the face of a touch screen display. Other oralternative verification values may be provided as required to processthe card transaction in connection with step 232.

As represented in a step 234, the processor circuitry operates inaccordance with its programming to obtain an input of a card transactionamount. This card transaction amount may be provided as a numerical orother input by the individual operating the device. Alternatively insome arrangements the input amount may be provided through reading ofcharacters associated with the invoice or other documents. Of courseother approaches may be used depending on the particular type ofcard-based transaction. Once the data and information necessary forpurposes of carrying out the card-based transaction have been received,the device then operates in accordance with its programming to return tothe step 222.

In this exemplary embodiment, the device 12 may also be configured tohandle credit items that are in the possession of the purchaser. Credititems include items for which the purchaser is entitled to a credit asagainst amounts owed by the purchaser to the vendor. Such credit itemsmay commonly include items such as credit memos, returned goodsacknowledgments, rebate coupons that have been redeemed by the purchaserfrom consumers, discount offers offered by the vendor, promotionaloffers or other types of items for which the purchaser may receive acredit from the vendor. Of course it should be understood that thesetypes of credit items are exemplary and in other arrangements, othertypes of credit items may be used.

In the exemplary embodiment the processor circuit of the device operatesto prompt the individual operating the device to provide an input toselect a particular type of credit item which is being presented by thepurchaser. This is represented in a step 236. The device then promptsthe individual to input one or more values that are associated with theparticular credit item that is being presented by the purchaser. In theexemplary embodiments, the value may include the manual input of adollar value. Alternatively such inputs may include reading or otherwiseobtaining a value associated with the item. Such reading may be done bycapturing information included on documents. Alternatively valueinformation may include the reading through the wireless port 30 of thedevice, RFID tags or other indicia associated with the item which isindicative of its value. Of course these approaches are merelyexemplary. The input of the credit item value is representedschematically by the step 238.

The individual operates the device 12 for purposes of reading credititem data in a step 240. The reading of credit item data may be done ina manner similar to that carried out by the device I connection withreading invoice data and reading check data. An exemplary credit memo242 is represented in FIG. 10. The exemplary credit memo includes atransaction identifier 244. The exemplary credit memo also includes avendor identifier 246 and a purchaser identifier 248. In addition,similar to the exemplary invoice, the purchaser identifier may includenot only the identification for the purchaser entity but also theparticular delivery location with which the credit item is associated.In addition, the exemplary credit memo also includes printed purchasername and address data 250.

The exemplary credit memo further includes the credit item value 252.The credit item value corresponds to the amount with which the purchaseris to be credited in connection with the credit item. Of course itshould be understood that numerous other types of values includingmachine readable indicia such as bar code or other items may beassociated with credit items. Further, in exemplary arrangements thecredit items may be preprinted and delivered to the purchaser prior toor at the time of delivery. Alternatively, in some arrangements, credititems may be established by the individual making the delivery at thetime thereof. In such cases the device may be operated to establish thenecessary information to be associated with the credit item and storesuch information in the appropriate data stores associated with thecentral system 60 for purposes of processing the credit items. Of coursethese approaches are exemplary and in other arrangements, otherapproaches may be used.

In the exemplary logic flow, once all the payment items have beenreceived, the processing of the payments is carried out generally in amanner like that previously discussed in connection with the centralserver 60. Such processing is represented schematically by a step 254.Of course in the case of check payments, checks are electronicallypresented for payment to the check presentation network in a manner likethat previously discussed. In this exemplary arrangement in the case ofcash payments, the account of the vendor is provisionally credited withthe value of cash indicated as received. The provisional credit is thenutilized for purposes of verifying that the cash is retrieved from thedepository in the amount indicated to the device at the time of receipt.The retrieved cash is then deposited into the account of the vendorthrough operation of the central server.

In the case of a card transaction, if the card transaction related datais sent through operation of the central server to the appropriatecredit card network 78, debit card network 82, stored value network orother appropriate network, the card transaction network then verifiesthe card and payment data and, if the funds are available, operates tocause the card payment amount to be assessed against the financialaccount of the purchaser. A central server operates to cause the amountassessed against the payment account of the purchaser to be credited tothe account of the vendor. Of course if the transaction is notaccomplished due to insufficient funds or the like, the central server60 operates in accordance with its programming to indicate this so thatother appropriate steps can be taken.

If credit items have been received, the processing thereof generallyinvolves resolving data from the different required data fields thereon.Such data fields may be represented in the case of the exemplary creditmemo 242 by the items included in dashed lines. Such data in exemplaryarrangements will be that required to process the credit for the benefitof the particular purchaser. The types of data items which are resolvedwill vary depending on the particular type of credit item. Further, ascan be appreciated, the credit item data that is read may need to bemanipulated, processed and analyzed in a manner similar to thatdiscussed in connection with invoice data and check data in order toresolve the necessary values with a sufficient degree of confidence.Once the values are resolved, the system can then verify that the credititem is one that is genuinely associated with an appropriate purchaserand vendor and is otherwise suitable to be processed. If the credit itempasses the applicable tests, the credit amount associated therewith iscredited to the purchaser's account.

Once the different payment type items have been processed, the creditingand debiting of the accounts have been carried out, the storage of thedata associated therewith is carried out in a step 256. The activitiesassociated with step 256 may generally correspond to those discussed inconnection with step 140 of the previously described embodiment. Ofcourse in the step the different payment types and informationassociated therewith is accommodated through the storage of theassociated data. Further in some exemplary arrangements, receipts aresent or printed in connection with the transaction as represented in astep 258. Activities carried out in connection with this step maycorrespond to those previously discussed in connection with step 142.Alternatively or in addition, additional receipts may be provided forexample, in connection with card transactions that are carried out, orfor credit items received, or to document other information associatedwith the particular payment type. Of course these approaches areexemplary and in other embodiments, other approaches may be used.

Further exemplary devices and systems may operate in a manner thatenables the individual who delivers the goods at a plurality ofdifferent locations and who accept payments from purchasers, to act onbehalf of several different vendors who participate in a shared systemfor the processing of delivery and the receipt of payments. Systems ofthis type may be particularly useful in situations where the individualdeals with purchasers in a particular industry who need to acquirenumerous different types of goods (and/or perhaps services) whichoriginate from different vendor sources. In other arrangements suchsystems may enable the operation of the functionality provided by thecentral server 60 to be carried out on an outsourced basis for multipledifferent types of vendors and other entities for purposes of handlingtheir financial transactions. Of course these systems are exemplary ofthose that may be operated in a manner like that discussed herein.

FIG. 19 is a schematic representation of the operation of an exemplarydevice 12 which is utilized by the individual to carry out delivery andpurchase transactions, for a plurality of different vendors. In thisexemplary arrangement, the individual desiring to use the device mustfirst be verified as an authorized user as represented in a step 260.The verification that the individual is authorized to use the device maybe accomplished in the ways described in connection with the priorembodiments.

Once the individual operating the device has been verified as anauthorized operator, the device may be operated in accordance with itsprogramming to present the individual with one or more screen displaysthat enable the user to select one of a plurality of vendors that isassociated with the particular goods delivery and/or transaction thatthe individual is then currently carrying out. The presentation ofvendor selection options and the provision of an input by the individualto select a vendor is represented in connection with step 262. In someexemplary arrangements, the device operates in accordance with itsprogramming to present the individual with a visual listing thatincludes a plurality of different vendors that can be selected by theindividual in connection with the particular transaction. The individualmay select the particular appropriate vendor by providing at least oneinput such as by contacting the screen of the display in the area wherethe particular vendor identifying indicia is presented. This isrepresented by the graphic representation of screen 264. Of course ascan be appreciated, numerous different vendor selection prompts andinputs may be accommodated in different systems and arrangements.

In an exemplary embodiment the particular vendor selection is operativeto cause the processor circuit to present screens and carry out theparticular logic flow as may be appropriate for the goods and/orservices of that particular vendor. Further, as can be appreciated,alternative types of screens and logic flows may be utilized inconnection with a single vendor depending on the particular transactionor the circumstances of the goods or services delivery which is beingmade. Some exemplary logic flows for different vendors are hereinafterdescribed. However, it should be appreciated that these particular logicflows are merely representative of numerous different alternatives thatmay be utilized.

For a particular selected vendor, the processor circuitry may operate inaccordance with its programming to present a transaction logic flowwhich then requires the individual to provide one or more inputs whichcorrespond to the amount associated with the particular transaction.This is represented by a step 266. This input amount may be providedthrough the input of a transaction amount through an input device in amanner like that previously discussed.

For some vendors and deliveries, there may be preprinted invoices thathave been generated through operation of the central server 60 in amanner like that previously discussed or through another process.However, for other transactions there may be no prepared invoice. In theexemplary transaction flow, the individual is prompted to indicatethrough one or more inputs to the device whether the particulartransaction is associated with an existing invoice. This is representedin the step 268. In response to providing an indication that there is anexisting invoice, the device then operates in accordance with itsprogramming to read the invoice data in a manner like that discussed inconnection with the previously discussed embodiments. This isrepresented in a step 270. Once the invoice data is read, the device maythen operate in a manner like that discussed in connection with thelogic flow in FIG. 18 to perform the steps associated with payment.

Alternatively if in step 268 there is no pre-existing invoice associatedwith the particular transaction, the device may operate in accordancewith its programming associated with the particular selected vendorentity to prompt the individual operating the device to input purchaseridentity data. This is represented in a step 272. In some exemplaryarrangements, the input of the purchaser identity data may includeaccepting from the individual operating the device, an input from anexisting list of purchaser entities. Such purchaser entities may haveindicia corresponding thereto stored in the device or in the centralserver 60, which is presented to the individual through the device. Theindividual may then select a purchaser from a displayed list or by aninput of other indicia. In still other arrangements, the programming ofthe device and/or the central server may be operative to enable theindividual to establish the information associated with a new purchaserentity through inputs to the device 12. For example, in suchcircumstances the device may prompt the individual to provide inputs ofthe data necessary for the central server to accommodate the processingof transactions associated with the new purchaser entity. Of coursethese approaches are exemplary.

In response to the individual selecting or establishing identityinformation associated with the particular purchaser, the device is thenoperative in a step 274 to assign to the transaction a transactionidentifier. In some exemplary arrangements, the transaction identifiermay be assigned through operation of the central server throughcommunication with the device 12. Alternatively, the device 12 mayoperate independently to assign the transaction identifier and tocommunicate the information to the central server. Of course otherapproaches may be used. After the assignment of the transactionidentifier, for purposes of accomplishing the transaction, the device 12operates in the manner previously described to carry out the stepsassociated with the payment options. In addition, in connection withtransactions where a purchaser entity is newly established, it should beappreciated that in steps 25 and/or 258, additional functions may becarried out such as for example to print for the customer invoice dataor documents or other data associated with the transaction.Alternatively or in addition, transaction data including invoice recordsmay be provided to the customer electronically such as by beingtransmitted to the purchaser's system address so as to further help todocument the purchase transaction. Of course these approaches areexemplary and in other arrangements, other approaches may be used.

In connection with a selection of a different vendor by the individualoperating the device in step 262, an alternative transaction flowassociated with establishing the transaction amount and purchaser may becarried out. For example, for some transactions the type and/or quantityof goods to be delivered to the purchaser may not be determined untilthe individual making the delivery is on site at the particularpurchaser location. In such transaction situations, the exemplary device12 may be operative to read through operation of one or more readersand/or through the wireless port to read identifying data associatedwith goods that are going to be delivered. This is represented in a step276. This step may include the device operating to read data from barcodes, RFID tags or other indicia connected or otherwise applied to thegoods or their packaging which identifies the goods to be taken by thepurchaser and/or their associated pricing. In response to inputs to thedevice by the individual indicating that the purchaser is acquiring theparticular type of goods, the exemplary device 12 operates in accordancewith its programming to calculate the cost amount of the purchasetransaction that is being carried out. This is represented in a step278.

In this exemplary arrangement, the device 12 through its independentoperation or in connection with other systems, is also operative todetermine the purchaser identifying data by determining the location ofthe device during the transaction. This may be done, for example,through operation of the GPS receiver 40 and the calculation of thedevice position by the processor circuit 54. Alternatively or inaddition, the location of the device during the transaction may bedetermined from data available from the cellular network in which thedevice is being operated. Such localization techniques based on thestrength of the signal as received by different receiving points, may beutilized to provide an indication as o the current location of thedevice. One or more of such techniques may be carried out as representedin a step 280.

In this exemplary arrangement, a purchaser identity is then determinedresponsive to the location data. This may be done, for example, bycomparing the location data resolved in step 280 to data correspondingto different purchaser locations that are stored in the data store 58 ofthe device or in one or more data stores in connection with the centralserver 60. Alternatively or in addition, purchaser data may be resolvedthrough operation of the device and/or central server by resort toexternal database which indicate the business establishments located inparticular locations or at particular addresses. Through such techniqueswhich are carried out in a step 282, the exemplary device is operated toprovide an indication to the individual of the purchaser identityassociated with the transaction. In a step 284, the individual operatingthe device is prompted to confirm the identity of the purchaser that hasbeen resolved through the functions conducted in connection with step282. If the individual operating the device indicates that the resolvedpurchaser data is inaccurate, further attempts are made to identify theappropriate purchaser data. For example in some exemplary arrangements,localization from the cellular network may be more accurate than theavailable GPS data and vice versa. Further, in some arrangements, storeddata associated with the central server may be out of date and dataavailable from public sources may be more up to date and/or vice versa.Additional attempts may be made through operation of the device 12and/or the central server to resolve alternative purchaser data asappropriate when the first choice is not confirmed by the individualmaking the delivery.

Once the individual making the delivery confirms the purchaseridentifying data, the device operates in accordance with its programmingin a step 286 to assign a transaction identifier to the particulartransaction. The assignment of a transaction identifier may be done in amanner similar to that discussed in connection with step 274. Of coursealternative approaches may be used in other embodiments depending on therequirements of the particular vendor.

Once the transaction identifier has been assigned, the device 12operates in accordance with its programming to carry out the paymentfunctions in a manner previously discussed. Of course it should beappreciated that not all selected vendors may accept the types ofpayments and/or credits that may be accepted by other vendors, and thatthe payment and credit options that are available in connection withparticular vendor selections may be limited to specific paymentselections. Alternatively some vendors may accept additional alternativepayment methods or credits for which appropriate instructions arecarried out through operation of the device.

As can be appreciated, numerous different types of data bearing recordsfor goods and services deliveries and fulfillment, payment types andother features can be carried out through operation of systems employingthe principles that have been described herein. For purposes ofoperating a flexible central server system or other system for carryingout transactions in response to different types of data bearing records,certain types of functions may be utilized. FIG. 20 represents a graphicrepresentation of different functional areas or elements that areaddressed in connection with numerous different types of systems. Ofcourse these functional elements are exemplary and other systems mayinclude requirements for addressing additional functions. The graphicrepresentation displayed may correspond to software objects, subsystems,modules or other related functional capabilities that are carried out byhardware, software or networks in systems of exemplary embodiments.

For example, in the exemplary arrangements for processing paymentsassociated with data bearing records in connection with the delivery ofgoods, an exemplary system acquires and resolves check data asrepresented by element 288, and invoice data as represented by element290. The exemplary systems also acquire and resolve cash data asrepresented by element 292 and credit item data as represented byelement 294. Of course as can be appreciated, not all this data needs tobe acquired and determined in connection with certain systems. However,in other systems depending on the capabilities required, additionaltypes of data may need to be acquired and resolved in order toaccomplish the necessary processing of transactions.

Other functional elements of the exemplary systems include determiningthe vendor associated with the particular transaction when multiplevendors are accommodated by the system. This is represented by element296. FIG. 21 represents factors that are utilized in connection with anexemplary functional element 296 to determine a vendor identifier. Ofcourse not all these data elements may be available in connection withcertain systems or transactions. Further as can be appreciated, theanalysis carried out in connection with element 296 may require one ormore of the data elements to correspond to appropriately make a suitableselection of the vendor identification. For example as represented inFIG. 21, data including the network address of the particular device 12may be indicative of the particular vendor associated with a particulartransaction. As can be appreciated, particular devices may be associatedwith particular vendors or a set of vendors. Alternatively deviceidentifiers associated with a particular device may also be correlatedwith a particular vendor or set of vendors.

Factors such as the identity of the particular individual whoaccomplishes the deliveries may be indicative of a particular vendor ora subset of vendors. Alternatively and/or in addition, certaintransaction flows require the input of a particular vendor selectioninput through the device. Further, data included in invoice data or incredit item data may indicate an identifier for the particular vendor.This may include a vendor identification value, vendor logos, vendoraddresses or other information that can be used to directly identify thevendor. Alternatively, invoice or other data may be utilized inconnection with data stored in connection with the central server toresolve the particular vendor. For example, a transaction ID may becorrelated with a particular transaction that has vendor data stored inassociation therewith. Of course these factors are exemplary and inother arrangements, other factors and approaches may be used.

Functional element 298 corresponds to determining a particular purchaserassociated with a given transaction. In exemplary embodiments theidentification of the purchaser by the element 298 may includeevaluation of the factors shown in FIG. 22. Factors included in thedetermination may include purchaser identifying data input into thedevice, or information included in invoice data or credit item data.Other data used for identifying the purchaser may include check datasuch as the payee data, card data associated with a card transaction,and/or the holder of the particular card account may also be used insome arrangements to identify the purchaser. The purchaseridentification data may also be resolved from location data based on thelocation of the device during the transaction. The purchaser identifyingdata may also be resolved from data stored in connection with thecentral server in connection with the transaction identifier or otherread or input data. Of course other items of data or combinations ofthese elements may be utilized in connection with the operations offunction element 298 to determine the purchaser associated with thetransaction.

Element 300 is operative to determine the monetary amount associatedwith a particular transaction. The determination achieved by element 300may be accomplished using the data represented in FIG. 23 in exemplaryarrangements. Such data may include depending on the nature of thetransaction may include amount data that may be resolved from inputs tothe device or invoice data read from an invoice through operation of thedevice. Alternatively for some transactions amount data may bedetermined by reading data from bar codes, RFID tags or other goodsidentifying data through operation of the device. Amount data may alsobe indicated by amount data associated with received checks, cashamounts and/or card transactions. Of course it should be understood thatin some situations amounts paid by purchasers do not correspond to theamount invoiced for a current delivery of goods or services. However,such payment data is often at least an indicative factor whichidentifies the transaction amount. Further as represented in FIG. 23,transaction amounts may be resolved from data correlated with othervalues such as the transaction identifier which is stored in data storesassociated with the central server.

Functional element 302 of the exemplary system is operative to carry outthe determination of the transaction identifier associated with theparticular transaction. The determination made by the functional elementis accomplished through processing of data elements like thoserepresented in FIG. 24. Such data elements may include a transactionidentifier included in invoice data or in credit item data. Thetransaction identifier may also be the generated value stored in datastores associated with the device and/or the central server when thetransaction identifier is generated proximate to the time of thetransaction in situations like those previously discussed.

Alternatively or in addition, in some exemplary arrangements theindividual operating the device may provide transaction identifyinginputs through input devices at the time of carrying out thetransaction. Further, in some exemplary arrangements, the transactionidentifier can be resolved from other data associated with thetransaction. This may be, for example, information such as the type andamount of goods delivered, the vendor and purchaser informationassociated with the transaction, or other data that can be correlatedwith stored data to identify a particular transaction with which thedata is associated and whereby the particular transaction identifierwhich relates thereto. Of course it should be understood that thesefactors that are utilized in exemplary processing by the functionalelement 302 are merely examples and in other arrangements, otherapproaches may be used.

Functional element 304 corresponds to the functions carried out throughoperation of the central server, by the device and/or by other systemsin connection with processing financial transfers. Such processing mayinclude in exemplary embodiments the check presentment of receivedfinancial checks, the processing of payments received from cardtransactions and the deposit of cash received from purchasers inconnection with cash payments as previously discussed. In addition,functional element 304 also includes in exemplary environments, theprocessing of credit items which may provide credits for purchasersagainst amounts that are owed to vendors. The processing of suchdifferent types of transactions is represented schematically in FIG. 25and generally produces the data which corresponds to the amount that thevendor receives in connection with a particular transaction. Of courseit should be appreciated that the functions, steps and operations thatare carried out in connection with element 304 will vary depending onthe nature of the transactions that are accomplished in connection withthe particular system.

As represented in FIG. 20, the exemplary system includes a validationfunctional element 306. Functional element 306 of the validation elementincludes those features, processes and steps that are carried out toproperly correlate payments received from purchasers to accounts payablefor each particular vendor. This includes the features carried out bysystems described in the incorporated disclosure as well as other stepsthat may be taken to properly apply and collect payments fortransactions carried out through the system.

Functional element 308 includes the audit functions that are carried outto assure that the data which is processed and the transactions andfinancial transfers that are made through the exemplary system arecarried out correctly. Such audit processes may include, for example,assuring that cash received in the course of delivery transactionscorresponds to the cash indicated as received through operation of thedevices 12. Such other functions may include prompting throughappropriate systems and devices, individuals who retrieve items fromdepositories to provide information about the contents thereof so as toidentify any discrepancies. Likewise, the validation functionality mayinclude assuring that check data is accurate, has not been modified,forged or otherwise manipulated in ways that are improper. The stepsexecuted in connection with the audit functional element 308 generallyhelp to assure the integrity of the system and that all transactions arecarried out and accounted for in a proper manner.

Functional element 309 includes the posting functions carried outthrough operation of the system. The functions carried out throughoperation of the posting functional element include making the paymentsto the appropriate vendor accounts and showing the appropriate creditsto purchaser accounts for payments made to vendors in connection withdeliveries. The posting functions also may include activities such asinvoicing customers for amounts owed, crediting customers for refunds orother credits, and otherwise adjusting accounts and producing therecords as appropriate to reflect the transactions carried out throughoperation of the system.

Of course it should be understood that these functional elements aremerely representative of functions carried out through exemplary systemsof the types that have been described herein. Numerous differentvariations of such elements, devices, processes and steps may beimplemented in accordance with approaches that have been described.

FIG. 26 shows schematically an alternative embodiment of a system 310that operates responsive to data read from data bearing records. Theexemplary system 310 operates to enable payees of financial checks todeposit such checks in their selected financial account. In someexemplary arrangements, the system 310 may be a part of or operated inconjunction with features such as those previously described inconnection with system 10. Alternatively in other arrangements, system310 may be operated as part of a separate system. System 310 includes amobile device 312 which is shown schematically. In some embodiments, themobile device 312 may be a portable device that is substantially thesame as device 12 of the previously described embodiment. The exemplarydevice 312 includes a digital camera 314. Camera 314 serves as part of areader which operates as an image capture device. Device 312 furtherincludes a display 316. Display 316 of the exemplary embodiment is avisual touch screen display. The visual touch screen display isintegrated with at least one manual input device schematicallyrepresented 318. Input device 318 of exemplary embodiments maycorrespond to a capacitance or inductance type touch screen detectioncircuit that can detect points of contact with the ouch screen displayso as to provide input selections to the device 312 based on outputsthrough this display 316. However, in other embodiments, other types ofinput devices may also be used such as switches, buttons, wireless inputdevices, etc.

The exemplary device 312 further includes an audio interface 320. Theaudio interface 320 may include speakers, a microphone or other devicesthat enable communication to and from the device 312 via audible inputsand outputs. A biometric reader 322 is included in exemplary device 312.Exemplary biometric readers may include a fingerprint reader, irisscanner, retina scanner or other device that can receive biometricinputs. It should be understood that the digital camera 314 and/or theaudio interface 320 may also serve as biometric input devices in someembodiments.

The exemplary device 312 further includes a GPS receiver 324. GPSreceiver 324 may be of the type previously described and enablesdetermining the positioning of the device as well as the location of thedevice relative to other devices and structures. The exemplary devicefurther includes a wireless port 326. Wireless port 326 may be inoperative connection with circuitry that enables communication of thedevice 312 with other devices via RF communications. Such communicationsmay be local communications such as via Bluetooth or NFC.

The exemplary device 312 further includes a wireless communicationinterface 328. The exemplary wireless communication interface includescircuitry which is usable to enable the device to communication withcellular telephone systems or similar networks via RF. Suchcommunications are represented schematically by cellular network 330.

The exemplary device 312 further includes at least one processor circuit332. The processor circuit 332 may be one of the types previouslydiscussed. The processor circuit 332 may include or be in operativeconnection with one or more data stores 334. Data store 334 may be ofone of the types previously discussed and is operative to hold processorcircuit executable instructions and data. Of course it should beunderstood that the device 312 is exemplary and other devices includingother or different components, features and capabilities may be utilizedin other exemplary systems which perform the functions described herein.

System 310 further includes a network 336. In some exemplaryarrangements, network 336 may be a public network such as the Internet.In other arrangements, network 336 may be a private network. Further inother arrangements, network 336 may be made up of a combination ofmultiple networks including public and private networks.

Cellular network 330 is operatively connected to network 336 through oneor more suitable interface servers schematically represented 338.Interface server 338 includes one or more processor circuits and datastores of the type previously described. The interface servers includesuitable program instructions to enable messages through the cellularnetwork to be communicated with network 336.

At least one computer 340 is in operative connection with network 336.Computer 340 includes at least one processor circuit schematicallyrepresented 342 and one or more data stores schematically represented344. It should be understood that in exemplary arrangements, computer340 may be made up of a plurality of interconnected computers such asserver computers or other devices that are capable of carrying out thefunctions that are described herein in connection with computer 340.

Also in operative connection with network 336 is a payee terminal 346.In the exemplary embodiment the payee terminal 346 may include a desktopPC or a laptop computer that is configured to be used as a terminaloperated in an establishment of an entity such as a vendor that receiveschecks in payment for goods, services or other obligations. For purposesof brevity herein all forms of goods, services, obligations or otherthings for which payments are received may be referred to as “goods” andan entity that receives payment for any of such things may be referredto as a “vendor.” However, it should be understood that in otherarrangements, the payee terminal 346 may include a portable terminalsuch as a tablet computer, a smart phone or another type of mobilecomputing device.

The exemplary payee terminal 346 includes at least one processor circuit348 and at least one data store 350. Processor circuit 348 may be inoperative connection with a network interface circuit that enablescommunication with the network 336. In some arrangements, the networkinterface may be a wired connection, and in other arrangements thenetwork interface may be a wireless interface such as a WWAN connectionor a cellular connection.

The exemplary payee terminal further includes a display 352 and one ormore input devices. Such input devices may include, for example, akeyboard 354 and a mouse 356. The payee terminal may also include otheror different input and output devices. Such output devices may includespeakers, Braille keypads, a printer, or other devices from whichoutputs may be perceived. Other input devices may include, for example,a touch screen, a microphone, a digital camera, a biometric reader,speech recognition circuitry, etc. Of course it should be understoodthat these components are exemplary. Further, the payee terminal 346 mayinclude other circuitry, devices, peripheral components, interfacecircuits or other devices, features, processor circuit executableinstructions or other items to carry out the functions described herein.

Another payee terminal 358 is in operative connection with network 336.Payee terminal 358 may be generally similar to payee terminal 356.However, payee terminal 358 further includes a desktop check scanner360. The exemplary desktop check scanner 360 is usable in connectionwith payee terminal 358 to scan and capture digital image data fromfinancial checks. The desktop check scanner in combination with payeeterminal 358 is also capable of reading indicia included on checks. Suchindicia may include visible indicia as well as magnetic indicia such asmagnetic printing in a micr line on the check which identifies the checkpayor/makers bank and account information. Such a desktop check scannermay also be used to read data from other documents such as invoices,deposit tickets, bank checks or other items. Of course it should beunderstood that the configuration of payee terminal 358 is exemplary andin other arrangements other components, features and capabilities may beused.

In the exemplary system 310, computer 340 is in operative connectionthrough a network 362 with a financial institution 364. The financialinstitution includes one or more computers such as servers representedby a computer 366. Computer 366 includes at least one processor circuit368 and at least one data store 370 which may be of the types previouslydescribed. In the exemplary arrangement, the one or more computers 366of the financial institution 364 is operative to maintain financial datacorresponding to accounts of payees who operate the payee terminals andwho utilize the system to conduct transactions on such accountsincluding the making of deposits corresponding to financial checksreceived by the payee.

It should be understood that in some exemplary arrangements, thecomputer 340 may be operated by or as part of the computers of thefinancial institution 364. In such arrangements the functions describedherein in connection with computer 340 may be combined with thefunctions described in connection with the one or more financialinstitution computers 366. It should be understood that in variousembodiments, different system environments and entities may be involvedin carrying out the functions described.

Computer 340 is further in operative connection with a check presentmentnetwork 372. Check presentment network 372 may be similar to checkpresentment network 66 described in connection with the previousembodiment. The check presentment network 372 includes servers such asserver 374. Each of servers 374 include one or more processor circuits376 and data stores 378 which may have structures like those previouslydescribed.

The check presentment network 372 and the server computers therein areoperative to communicate with computers located at banks 380 through oneor more networks 382. The server computers 374 are operative to causeelectronic check images and check data to be presented for payment tothe banks on which the checks are drawn by the payors of such checks.The computers of a banks on which a check is drawn are then operative toindicate whether the check is paid and to transfer the funds between theinstitution on which the check is are drawn and the institution of thepayee who deposits the check in their account. Exemplary checkpresentment networks may include, for example, consortiums of banks,private check processing networks and/or the Federal Reserve. The checkpresentment networks also advise if a check presented for payment isdishonored due to insufficient funds in the payor's account or for otherreasons. The check presentment network is operative to provide exceptionhandling in such circumstances and to advise the entity presenting thecheck for payment of the fact that payment on the check has not beenmade. Of course it should be understood that these features andfunctions are exemplary and in other arrangements, differentconfigurations, features and functions may be performed.

Exemplary embodiments provide for a payee entity of financial checks tobe able to deposit such checks in their respective financial accountheld by the payee's financial institution. In exemplary arrangements,the payee of such checks is generally a vendor who is a merchant whoprovides goods or services and who receives payments in the form offinancial checks. In some exemplary arrangements, the payee may be amerchant providing food items of the type described in connection withthe previously described embodiment. For example payee terminals of thetype described herein may be operated in establishments of such amerchant who receives financial checks in payment by mail or withinbusiness establishments in which goods or services are provided. Inother arrangements, payees of checks may include vendors who areproviders of other types of goods or services for which payments arereceived in the form of financial checks.

A useful aspect of some exemplary embodiments includes the capabilitiesfor a merchant or other payee of financial checks to make the depositinto their account without having to have a desktop scanner such asscanner 360 in connection with their payee terminal. The ability toavoid the use of a desktop scanner reduces cost for the check payeeand/or the financial institution of the payee who must pay the cost toacquire the scanner and also maintain such a scanner in operationincluding fixing any malfunctions or replacing the scanner when itbecomes worn out.

FIGS. 27-40 and 63-65 schematically show exemplary arrangements thatenable a payee terminal to be operated to deposit checks using a mobiledevice such as mobile device 312 in lieu of a desktop scanner. FIGS.41-47 represent schematically logic flow carried out by the computer 340and the mobile device 312 in accomplishing such capabilities.

As schematically represented in FIG. 41, in an exemplary process themerchant payee who will receive checks and electronically deposit themin their financial account with a financial institution, will generallyfirst need to apply to the financial institution or an operator of thesystem associated with computer 340 in order to obtain this capability.This is represented by the application submission step 384 shown in FIG.41. In some arrangements the application process may be part of thefinancial institution's procedures to enable a merchant to engage inelectronic banking functions. Such functions may include not onlyremotely depositing amounts related to checks into their account butalso other transactions functions. Such other transaction functions thatmay be carried out remotely may include the capability to transfer fundsbetween accounts that the merchant payee may have with the institution.Such capabilities may also include electronic bill payment or otherfinancial transaction capabilities. In the case of an independentoperator of the service not associated with a financial institution, thetransactions may include managing the customer payments to the merchantpayee and depositing the payee received checks into the payee'sfinancial accounts with a financial institution.

As represented in FIG. 41, the financial institution or other systemoperator will make a determination as to whether the merchant payee isauthorized to use the remote deposit capabilities. This is representedin a step 386. If the financial institution or other operator decidesthat the merchant payee does not qualify for the electronic checkdeposit function or otherwise is to be turned down, the merchant payeeis notified as represented by a step 388. The financial institution orother system operator may work with the merchant in order to help themerchant to qualify or set up the necessary account or satisfy otherrequirements as required by the institution to obtain the capability.

If the merchant payee is qualified for the electronic check presentment,the payee is provided with certain materials. This is represented in astep 390. In some exemplary arrangements, the sending of payee materialsmay be sent to the payee terminal 346 as represented in FIG. 27. In someexemplary arrangements the payee materials may be sent in a encrypteddigital certificate which corresponds to a pair of asymmetric public andprivate keys. The certificate may be encrypted in a manner that assuresthat the certificate data is not intercepted in transit between thecomputer 340 and the payee terminal 346. In some exemplary arrangements,the certificate may be encrypted using one or more keys that are sent toan operator of the payee terminal via a separate message or a differentcommunication channel. This may enable the merchant payee who operatesthe payee terminal 346 to decrypt and install the certificate in asecure manner on the payee terminal. Of course this approach isexemplary and in other arrangements, other approaches may be used.

Alternatively or in addition, the computer 340 may communicate with thepayee terminal 346 to have the merchant payee input other identifyinginformation that is used to authorize access to the remote computer andthe merchant's account information. This may include, for example,prompting the merchant to provide authentication factors such aspasswords, biometric inputs or other kinds of inputs that can be usedfor authenticating the payee terminal operator who is authorized toaccess the account data. Alternatively or in addition, payee terminalidentifying data such as serial number data associated with certaincomponents of the payee terminal, network address data or other data mayalso be utilized as factors that can be used for authenticating theauthority of the payee terminal and/or the operator thereof to operatethe system.

In the exemplary arrangement, the computer 340 securely receivescommunications from the payee terminal such as for example messages thatare encrypted using the private key corresponding to the certificate, tosend credentials that identify the authorized user and/or payeeterminal. The receipt of such credentials is represented by a step 392in FIG. 41. It should be understood that for purposes of thisdisclosure, a plurality of items of information that are used toauthenticate a payee user and/or payee terminal are referred to as acredential. Upon receiving the credentials that will enable accessing ofaccount data at the computer 340, the computer operates in accordancewith its programming to store the credential information and to alsoassociate the credential information with the payee's financial account.This is represented in a step 394.

In the exemplary embodiment the computer 340 operates in accordance withits programming to enable the merchant payee to obtain a mobileapplication to operate in the mobile device 312. The mobile deviceapplication enables the mobile device 312 of the exemplary embodiment tobe used to capture digital check image data corresponding to the visualappearance of one or both sides of financial checks that the merchantpayee receives in payment for its goods and/or services. In someembodiments the application may also be used to capture invoice or othertransaction record related data. As represented by a step 396 in FIG.42, the computer 340 sends messages to cause outputs on the display ofthe payee terminal to present the merchant payee with the option toobtain the mobile application for their device 312. In response to themerchant payee providing an input through at least one input device ofthe payee terminal indicating that they do wish to acquire the mobileapp as represented in a step 398, the computer 340 operates inaccordance with its programming to send messages to the payee terminal346 which causes the payee terminal to output a QR code and otherinformation that can be used for the acquisition of the mobileapplication. This is represented by a step 398 as well as in FIG. 28.Alternatively if the merchant payee provides an input to the payeeterminal that they do not need to acquire the mobile application, theinformation regarding the acquisition of the mobile app is notpresented.

As represented in FIG. 28, if the computer 340 operates to provide theinformation concerning acquisition of the mobile application to thepayee terminal, the exemplary payee terminal is operative to output abar code. The exemplary bar code is output in the form of atwo-dimensional bar code and specifically a QR code. The exemplary QRcode includes instructions which can be utilized by the exemplary mobiledevice 312 to obtain the desired circuit executable instructions whichare included in the mobile application. In the exemplary arrangement themobile device 312 is operated responsive to user inputs to the userinput device to use the digital camera to capture the bar code imagedata output on the display of the payee terminal, and to resolve theinstructions and data included in the bar code to wirelessly contactthrough the cellular network 330 an appropriate network address of aserver 400 from which the circuit executable instructions of the mobiledevice application can be acquired. In some exemplary arrangements themobile device may acquire the mobile application from a site located ona public network such as the Internet 402. For example in somearrangements the mobile device application may be acquired from a sitewhich provides numerous different applications that can be utilized bymobile devices. Alternatively in other arrangements, the mobile deviceapplication may be acquired from the web site of the financialinstitution which holds the merchant payee's accounts. Alternatively inother arrangements, other sources for the mobile device application canbe provided such as sites made available on either public or privatenetworks by the operator of the system which includes computer 340. Ofcourse these approaches are exemplary.

Responsive to accessing the mobile device application, the device 312operates the at least one mobile processor circuit therein to causemobile processor circuit executable instructions corresponding to themobile application to be stored in the at least one data store 334 ofthe mobile device. In the exemplary arrangement, these mobile processorcircuit executable instructions associated with the application enablesthe device 312 to accomplish functions that are described herein.

The exemplary system 310 can be operated by a merchant payee in order tomake deposits of checks into the payee's account. In the exemplaryarrangement this is carried out by the operator of the payee terminal346 providing inputs to the computer 340 so as to establish that theuser and/or terminal is authorized to access the system. This isrepresented in FIG. 29 and by a step 404 in the logic flow carried outby the computer 340 as represented in FIG. 43. As represented by step404, the user provides their credential via the payee terminal 346. Aspreviously mentioned, the credential may include a password, digitalsignature, biometric input, terminal identifier or other suitablecredential or a combination thereof which corresponds to data stored inthe data store of the computer 340 and which is associated with themerchant payee account. The computer then operates in accordance withits programming in a step 406 to determine if the credential correspondsto an authorized user or account. If it does not, the user may be givenanother opportunity to input an authorized credential or be given otheropportunities to establish that they are authorized to use the system asrepresented in a step 408.

If the credential corresponds to that of an authorized user and/orauthorized payee terminal, the computer 340 then operates to cause thepayee terminal to present transaction options. This is represented in astep 410 as well as in FIG. 30. The computer 340 may cause thetransaction selections to first cause the payee terminal to give theuser options as to select via input the particular payee account thatwill be involved in receiving the deposit transactions. The user mayselect one of output indicia that correspond to a plurality of availableaccounts by providing inputs to one of the input devices of the payeeterminal 346. Once the user has selected the account to receive thedeposit, the computer 340 operates to cause the payee terminal todisplay indicia corresponding to a plurality of possible transactionsthat the payee user can conduct. This is represented in FIG. 31 in whichvarious transaction selections are shown on the display of the payeeterminal. The operator of the payee terminal is then enabled to selectthe desired transaction option by providing one or more inputs to aninput device of the payee terminal 346. The receipt of the transactionselection input is received by the computer 340 and is represented by astep 412 in FIG. 43.

Once the transaction type selection is received by the computer 340 inthe step 412, a determination is then made as represented at a step 414as to whether the selected transaction is a check deposit. Asschematically represented in FIG. 43, if the selected transaction isother than a check deposit, the logic flow for the selected transactionis carried out as represented in step 460.

As represented in FIG. 32, if a check deposit transaction has beenselected, the computer 340 then operates to cause an output from thedisplay of the payee terminal 346 which prompts the user to indicatewhether they need to acquire the mobile application for their mobiledevice. This is represented in FIG. 43 by step 418. In response to theprompt, the user at the payee terminal provides one or more inputsthrough the input devices thereof to indicate whether the mobileapplication is needed. The receipt of the input indicating whether thereis a need for the mobile application is represented by a step 420. Ifthe input received in step 420 indicates that the mobile application isneeded, the computer 340 operates to communicate with the payee terminalto cause the QR code to be output from the display of the payee terminalin a manner like that previously discussed. This is represented by astep 422. The output of the code which enables obtaining the mobileapplication can be captured through operation of the device 312 andutilized to obtain the mobile application in a manner like thatpreviously discussed. Alternatively, if in step 420 the input indicatesthat the mobile application is not needed, the computer 340 proceeds toa step 424 in which it advises the operator of the payee terminal 346 toutilize their mobile device and to prepare to take pictures of thechecks to be deposited so as to capture images thereof. This isaccomplished in an exemplary embodiment by the computer 340 causingoutput instructions to be provided on the display of the payee terminal346.

As represented in FIG. 33 and FIGS. 63-65, the computer 340 thenoperates in accordance with its programming to cause a one-time use QRcode to be output through the display of the payee terminal. This isrepresented by a step 426 in FIG. 44. As represented in FIG. 33, themobile device 312 is operated in accordance with the circuit executableinstructions associated with the mobile application to capture thevisible bar code image data from the display of the payee terminal bytaking a picture thereof with the digital camera on the mobile device.In the exemplary embodiment the QR code which is caused to be outputfrom the display of the payee terminal includes data that corresponds toone or more encryption keys as well as one or more identifiers. In someexemplary arrangements, the one or more encryption keys may include apublic and private (secret) key pair that can be utilized by the mobiledevice for purposes of providing secure communication with the computer340. Further the exemplary QR code may also include data correspondingto a public key that is associated with a private key that is stored inthe remote computer 340. The corresponding secret or private key to thepublic key included in the QR code that is displayed, may be maintainedby the computer 340 so as to decrypt data in the computer that isencrypted using the corresponding public key. Similarly the computer 340may maintain the public key of the public and private key pair which issent to the mobile device included in the one-time use QR code. Thispublic key may likewise be used to secure communications for thistransaction session between computer 340 and the mobile device.

Further in the exemplary embodiment the one-time QR code includes datacorresponding to one or more identifiers. The one or more identifiersare usable by the computer 340 to enable check images and data that arecaptured by the mobile device, to be associated with the particulartransaction or account of the payee who is to deposit the checks. Forexample in some exemplary arrangements the identifiers may correspond toone or more of a session identifier, the payee, the payee account, thepayee terminal, the payee terminal network address, the network addressof computer 340 or a memory location at the computer 340 to which thecheck image data is to be sent. Alternatively in other embodiments theone or more identifiers that are included in the one-time QR code thatis output through the display of the payee terminal, may include otheridentifiers that are usable to assure that the check data that iscaptured through the mobile device is properly processed for use inconnection with the transaction. Alternatively in other embodiments theQR code, other bar code or message that is used by the mobile device toacquire the circuit executable instructions of the mobile applicationmay include one or more of the identifiers. In some such embodiments theone time use QR code may not be needed as all the identifiers and otherdata required by the mobile device is included in the initial QR codeand the downloaded instructions.

As represented in FIG. 34 and in a step 428, the computer 340 nextoperates in accordance with its programming to cause one or more outputsthrough the display of the payee terminal so as to prompt the user touse their mobile device 312 to take pictures of the checks that thepayee wishes to deposit. This is represented schematically in FIG. 34 bythe mobile device using its digital camera to capture images of one orboth sides of checks 430 and 432.

FIGS. 46 and 47 schematically represent the logic flow carried outthrough operation of the at least one mobile processor of the mobiledevice, in connection with a check deposit transaction. After providinginputs to start the transaction at a step 434, the mobile processorexecutable instructions of the mobile application provide outputsthrough the mobile display to prompt the user to capture the one-time QRcode output through the display of the payee terminal by taking apicture thereof. This is represented by a step 436.

As represented in step 438, the mobile device then operates inaccordance with the processor executable instructions of the mobileapplication to resolve the key data and identifier data that is includedin the output one-time QR code. Thereafter in the exemplary arrangement,the mobile device operates in accordance with the applicationinstructions to prompt the user of the mobile device through the mobiledisplay to take a picture of the front side of the first check to bedeposited. This is represented by a step 440 and in FIG. 54. The userthen operates the mobile device to capture the front side of the checkas represented by a step 442 and in FIGS. 55 and 56. In the exemplaryembodiment, the circuit executable instructions operate the mobiledevice 312 such that the user is prompted through the display toposition the check relative to the digital camera of the device so thatthe output visual representation on the mobile device display is withina marked rectangular area on the display. The instructions operate toanalyze the image data being captured and to determine when the image issuitable for capture. This includes the image of the side of the checkbeing generally within the bounds of the display. This may also includeother parameters including that the image is not moving relative to thedisplay, the image is in focus, the image is sufficiently illuminatedand/or other parameters defined in the instructions so as to indicatethat the image is suitable for capture. In the exemplary arrangement,the instructions operate to cause the device to automatically capturethe image when the image is determined to meet the acceptabilitycriteria. The exemplary application provides a visual representation tothe user of a shutter eye as represented in FIG. 56 and an audibleoutput which corresponds to the noise made by a mechanical shutter toindicate that the picture of the check has been. “snapped” and the imagehas been captured by the mobile device. Of course this approach isexemplary and in other embodiments, other approaches may be used.

The mobile device then operates to provide one or more outputs thatprompt the user to capture an image of the back side of the first checkby taking a picture thereof. This is represented by a step 444. Themobile device is then operated through user input through the inputdevice thereof to capture the image of the back side of the check. Thisis represented by a step 448 and in FIG. 57.

At a step 450, the mobile device operates to provide outputs whichprompts the user to indicate if there is another check to be included inthe particular deposit transaction. This is also represented by theexemplary device display outputs shown in FIG. 58. In response to theprompt, the user of the mobile device provides one or more inputsthrough the touch screen of the device. If the input indicates that morechecks are to be included in the transaction, steps 440 through 450 arerepeated in connection with the second and subsequent checks, until auser indicates through an input in response to the output prompt thatthere are no more checks associated with the particular deposittransaction.

In some exemplary arrangements the application logic may prompt a userof device 312 to input other information. This may include the userinputting an amount of each check. It may also include inputting otherdata on the check, or other data such as an electronic endorsement.Various approaches may be taken in systems of various embodiments.

After the images of all the checks have been captured, the mobile deviceoperates in accordance with the mobile processor circuit executableinstructions to encrypt the captured check image data using the one ormore keys that have been resolved from the QR code. This is representedin a step 452. This may include for example the mobile device operatingto encrypt the check image data using a public key included with the QRcode that corresponds to a secret or private key that is held by thecomputer 340. Alternatively other encryption techniques may be utilizedincluding the use of different or additional keys. In some arrangementsthe mobile device may operate to encrypt the identifiers and other dataas well as the check data.

Once the check data has been encrypted at the step 352, the mobiledevice operates to transmit the encrypted data and the identifier dataas represented in a step 454. The exemplary mobile device operates totransmit the encrypted data to the computer 340 through the cellularnetwork 330 and the interface servers 338. In response to receiving theencrypted data, the exemplary computer 340 operates to return aconfirmation message and confirmation data to the mobile device as isrepresented in step 456. The confirmation data in exemplary embodimentsmay include a digital signature, a message authentication value or othersuitable value and/or data that can be utilized by the mobile device todetermine if the data that was sent, was received by the computer 340 inan uncorrupted manner. Alternatively or in addition, the return messagemay be signed or otherwise be provided with authentication data whichenables the mobile device to determine that the message has beenreceived by the authorized computer. Numerous different approaches maybe taken to accomplishing these functions in various embodiments.

In a step 458, a determination is made by the mobile device inaccordance with its programmed instructions, concerning whether themessage from the computer 340 indicates that the data was properlyreceived. If there has been a malfunction and the data has not beenproperly received, the mobile device executes selected functions asrepresented in step 460 to again send the data in a manner which can bereceived by the computer 340. Once the data that has been sent by themobile device is confirmed as having been properly received, the mobiledevice operates to store the check data that has been sent in anencrypted manner in its data store in the event that it is necessary torecover this data for archive or other purposes. This is represented bya step 462. Alternatively in other arrangements such data may not bestored in device 312. Of course it should be understood that thisdescription of the mobile device logic flow is schematic and merelyexemplary, and additional or different steps, functions and capabilitiesmay be included in other embodiments.

Returning to the logic flow carried out through operation of theexemplary computer 340, step 464 in FIG. 44 corresponds to the receiptof the encrypted data from the mobile device. Step 464 furthercorresponds to the functions previously discussed of the computerreturning to the mobile device, data which enables the mobile device todetermine that the messages were properly received. The computer 340then operates to decrypt the data that it has received as represented instep 466. The computer 340 then utilizes character recognition computerexecutable instructions stored in one or more data stores thereof toresolve the data included in the check images. This is represented in astep 468. The data resolved from the check images will include dataincluded on each check. This will include, for example, the check amount(legal and/or courtesy amounts), the payor account number and payor bankfrom the micr line data. Other data that may be resolved includes checkpayee data, check payee endorsement data, the check payor endorsementdata, check number, date and other information included on the check. Ofcourse it should be understood that in some embodiments, not all of thevarious items of data represented by the indicia included on one or bothsides of the check will need to be resolved in order to accomplish thefunctions described herein.

After the computer 340 has received the check image data and hasdecrypted it, the computer operates in accordance with its programmingto present the check images on the display of the payer terminal asrepresented in FIGS. 35 and 63-65 and as represented by a step 470 inFIG. 44. This enables the operator of the payee terminal to review thechecks and verify the amounts thereof and the total amount to beincluded in the deposit.

Thereafter as represented in FIGS. 36 and 63-65, the exemplary computer340 causes the output from the display of the payee terminal, depositdata that corresponds to the checks. This step is represented by a step472. The deposit data output may correspond to data of the type that maybe included on a deposit ticket, such as the amount of each check to bedeposited and the total amount of the deposit. Of course other data maybe included as well such as the check number, the check payor name, thedate of the check, the payor account number or other data that may beuseful in connection with establishing the amount and makeup of thedeposit.

As represented in FIG. 37, the exemplary system then operates to causethe computer 340 to output to the user of the payee terminal a prompt toindicate whether they agree that the deposit data that has beenpresented is correct. This is represented by a step 474. In response toreceiving this prompt, the user provides one or more inputs throughinput devices of the payee terminal. If the user indicates that there isa discrepancy, the computer 340 operates to execute corrective routinesso as to attempt to resolve the discrepancy. This is represented by astep 476.

If the user provides an input that indicates that the deposit data iscorrect, the computer 340 then operates to cause the payee terminal toprompt the user to indicate whether they wish to proceed with thedeposit. This is represented by the payee terminal display output shownin FIG. 65. In response to this prompt, the user of the payee terminalprovides one or more inputs through the input devices to indicatewhether they wish the deposit to proceed. This is represented by a step478 as well as FIG. 38. If the user provides an input indicating thatthey do not wish to make the deposit, the deposit transaction iscancelled as represented in a step 480.

If the user indicates that the transaction is to proceed, the datacorresponding to the user input indicating that the deposit should becompleted is transmitted from the payee terminal 346 to the computer340. The payee terminal then provides an output as represented in FIG.39 to advise the user the deposit is complete. The computer 340 thenupdates its records concerning the corresponding account to indicatethat the amount of the deposit should be credited thereto.

After the remote computer 340 has adjusted the data in its one or moredata stores to indicate that the amount of the deposit has been creditedto the account of the merchant payee, the computer 340 then operates inaccordance with its programming to accomplish the updating of thepayee's account with the financial institution 364. This is representedby a step 482 in FIG. 45. The computer 340 communicates with thecomputers 366 of the financial institution to indicate informationconcerning the deposit so that the records of the financial institutionconform with the records of the computer 340 and so that the amount ofthe deposit is provisionally credited to the user's account. Generallyin exemplary arrangements a provisional credit will be issued initiallyin the event that any of the checks, when presented to the bank on whichthe check is drawn, are not paid.

The exemplary computer 340 then operates in accordance with itsprogramming to send the check data related to each of the checks in thedeposit to one or more of the check presentment networks 372. Aspreviously described, information concerning the check, the bank andaccount on which the check is drawn, the check image and the financialinstitution which should be credited for the payment of the check, issent through one or more servers 374 of the check presentment systemsuch that each check is routed to the respective bank 380 on which thecheck is drawn. When the presented check is paid from the account of thecheck payor, the check presentment system operates to credit the accountof the institution to which the deposit has been made. This checkpresentment process is represented by step 484 in FIG. 45.

Further in the exemplary arrangement when checks that are presented tothe check presentment system are not paid due to insufficient funds inthe account or for other reasons, the computer 340 operates inconjunction with the check presentment network to handle thoseexceptions. This exception handling is represented by a step 486. Suchexception handling includes documenting that the check is unpaid andrevoking the provisional credit that has been granted to the merchantpayee for the deposited check. Processes may also include automaticallyre-presenting the check at a later time for payment through the checkpresentment system. Exception handling may also include assessing feesor giving notifications to the merchant payee, the financial institutionwhich has the merchant payee's account or other entities of thenonpayment of the check. Of course it should be understood that thesesteps are exemplary and in other arrangements, other approaches may beused. Further in some exemplary embodiments, the payee terminal 346 maybe operated in accordance with its processor circuit executableinstructions to update the account data related to the purchasers ofgoods, services or other items for which the payments are represented bythe checks received. In exemplary arrangements, the payee terminal isoperable to identify the accounts of the purchasers submitting thechecks to the merchant. The operator of the payee terminal is enabled toreview the check data and the amount thereof as output through the payeeterminal display. In exemplary embodiments, the operator of the payeeterminal is enabled to review the status of the purchaser's account withthe merchant. This includes the status of any outstanding invoices orother amounts owing to the merchant by the payor of the check. Theoperator of the payee terminal is then enabled to provide inputs so asto credit the account of the check payor with the merchant payee withthe amount of the payor's check. This enables the merchant to keepupdated accounts for all of its customers or other check payors. Furtherin exemplary embodiments, the circuit executable instructions of thepayee terminal are enabled to accommodate updating customer records toinclude the revocation of credits in the event that a check isdishonored, to assess charges for late payments and to carry out otheractivities as is appropriate for the keeping of accurate account datafor the merchant or other vendor associated with the payee terminal. Ofcourse these features are merely exemplary and other payee terminals andsystems may include different, additional or other features andfunctions so as to carry out the desired activities of the particularvendor.

In other exemplary embodiments in which the computer 340 is operated bya service provider other than the financial institution of the merchantpayee, additional functionality may be provided. For example, themerchant mobile device may include an application that enables capturingimages of and/or analyzing invoices and/or other record documentsassociated with deliveries of goods to and/or payments by merchantcustomers. For example, in exemplary embodiments the mobile applicationmay prompt the merchant user to capture one or more images of aninvoice, such as for example, a remittance advice, in conjunction withthe checks for which images are captured. In exemplary arrangements thecomputer 340 may operate to analyze the indicia and determineinformation included on the captured invoices. The computer 340 may thenoperate in accordance with its programming to resolve and maintainrecords which represent the status of the accounts of the purchaserpayors of the merchant. In exemplary arrangements the computer 340 maykeep track of amounts charged by the payee to customers and the amountspaid by the customers. The exemplary system including computer 340 maybe used to identify for the merchant amounts due, underpayments,overpayments, dishonored checks and other conditions. The conditions maybe notified to the merchant who can use the capabilities of the computer340 to manage customer accounts as well as the merchant's financialaccounts. Such information may be available to the merchant user via themobile device and/or via one or more payee terminals.

Thus the exemplary systems provide the capabilities for enabling anoperator of a payee terminal to deposit checks that the payee hasreceived without the need for having a desktop scanner or similar devicein connection with the payee terminal. It should be appreciated,however, that the exemplary system may operate to receive check imagesboth from payee terminals that include desktop scanners as well as fromsystems that utilize mobile devices for delivering captured check imagedata for purposes of processing checks. Further in exemplaryarrangements, a terminal which includes a desktop scanner may also beoperated at the election of the payee terminal operator to utilize amobile device in lieu of the desktop scanner. This option might beavailable if the desktop scanner is broken. Further it should beappreciated that in some exemplary systems, the mobile device isutilized in connection with the making of check deposits to payeeaccounts may also be used for purposes of carrying out the transactionsdescribed in the other embodiments herein.

FIG. 48 schematically shows an alternative system 490. System 490 isgenerally similar to system 310 previously described and includes manyof the same components and features. System 490 further includes apurchaser terminal 492. The purchaser terminal 492 may be a desktopcomputer, laptop computer, or other terminal device generally similar tothe payee terminal 346 previously discussed. However, the purchaserterminal 492 of the exemplary embodiment is a terminal operated by apurchaser of goods from the vendor who operates the payee terminal 346.In the exemplary embodiment, the purchaser terminal 492 which may alsoalternatively be referred to herein as a payor terminal, is operativelyconnected to the network 336. As previously discussed, this network mayinclude a public network, a private network or combinations thereofsuitable for communication between the devices in the manner previouslyand hereafter discussed.

Exemplary system 490 further includes one or more portable devicesschematically indicated 494. Portable device 494 of the exemplaryembodiment is similar to mobile device 312 previously described and mayinclude the same or similar components. The exemplary portable device494 includes a wireless communication interface similar to device 312that is capable of communication in wireless networks such as thecellular network 330 previously described. Of course the portable device494 may communicate in different networks as necessary to carry out thefunctions and capabilities that are hereinafter described.

In this alternative embodiment, the system 490 enables the payors ofchecks which are received by the vendor in payment for goods, servicesor other obligations (all of which are referred to herein as “goods”) topresent their checks directly through a portable device 494 that isoperated by the purchaser. In the exemplary arrangement, the portabledevice 494 is enabled to capture image data and other data associatedwith checks that are written by the purchaser of the goods, and totransmit such check image data to the vendor who can review the checkimages and other data at a payee terminal such as payee terminal 346.The vendor may then deposit the checks into the vendor's financialaccount, present the checks for payment and credit the account of thepurchaser therefore in a manner like that previously discussed.

In an exemplary arrangement as represented schematically in FIG. 49, thepayee terminal 346 or other similar terminal is operable to offer to thepurchaser of goods from the vendor, the capability to make payments bychecks to the vendor through use of the purchaser's portable device. Asrepresented schematically in FIG. 49, the payee terminal 346 operates tosend messages to computer 340 which sends messages to a purchaser ofgoods from the vendor.

In exemplary embodiments the computer 340 is operated by a serviceprovider that is not a financial institution. However, in otherembodiments a financial institution or an affiliate or contractorthereof may provide the capabilities described.

In an exemplary arrangement one or more inputs by a vendorrepresentative to the payee terminal 346 is operative to cause thecomputer 340 to operate in accordance with its programming to send amessage to the purchaser terminal 492, which enables the purchaser tomake such vendor payments. In one exemplary embodiment representedschematically in FIG. 50, the computer 340 is operative to send to thepurchaser terminal 492 one or more messages that will enable thepurchaser to install a mobile application on their portable device 494.In the exemplary arrangement, the mobile application includes circuitexecutable instructions of the type previously described that can beinstalled on the portable device 494 to capture check images and otherdata on checks that are payable to the vendor. In exemplaryarrangements, such circuit executable instructions may also provide forthe capability of a mobile device to capture data from record documentssuch as invoices that are associated with the goods that have beenprovided by the vendor to the purchaser. The exemplary processorinstructions are also usable by the purchaser's portable device toenable the portable device to send the data corresponding to the checkdata, record data and/or other information to the computer 340 or othernetwork address from which such data may be accessed by the payeeterminal 346.

As represented in FIG. 50, in an exemplary arrangement the messages sentby the vendor from the payee terminal 346 indicating that the purchaseris to be offered the capability, is operative to cause the computer 340to communicate with the purchaser terminal 492. The purchaser terminal492 is operative in response to the communications to present through adisplay of the purchaser terminal a bar code, such as a QR code asrepresented in FIG. 50.

If the purchaser wishes to install the mobile application on theirportable device 494, the purchaser can operate the mobile device to usethe reader thereon, which in the exemplary embodiment comprises adigital camera, to capture an image of the QR code that is displayed onthe display of the purchaser terminal 492.

FIG. 51 is a representation of portable device 494 capturing a wirelessmessage output by the purchaser terminal 492 in the form of a QR code.The wireless message in the form of the image of the QR code is capturedby a reader device which includes the digital camera on the exemplaryportable device 494.

In the exemplary embodiment, data represented by the QR code that iscaptured by the portable device 494 includes one or more networkaddresses from which the portable device may acquire the circuitexecutable instructions which comprise the mobile application associatedwith the vendor. As represented in FIG. 50, the portable device 494 mayacquire the instructions which make up the application from a cellularor other wireless network 330 which is connected to the Internet 402 orother suitable public or private network. The instructions may then beacquired by the portable device from a server 400. As is the case withthe previously described embodiments, a server 400 may be associatedwith a public or private accessible server that is operated by thevendor or a third party to enable the delivery of the circuit executableinstructions which will enable the portable device of the purchaser tooperate in a manner hereinafter discussed.

While in some arrangements the portable device 494 that is operated bythe purchaser obtains the executable instructions of the mobileapplication in response to data included in a QR code or other visiblebar code, in other arrangements the portable device may obtain necessaryinstructions and data through other methods. For example in someexemplary embodiments, the operation of the payee terminal or otherdevice associated with the vendor, may operate to cause one or moremessages to be sent directly to the purchaser's portable device 494.Such messages may include an SMS message or other suitable message whichincludes the data and instructions necessary for downloading the mobileapplication and other data necessary for the operation of the portabledevice. Alternatively in other embodiments, the messages sent to theportable device in response to the payee terminal or other terminaloperated by the vendor may include the circuit executable instructionsand other data for operation. This may enable the portable device tooperate to send check image data and other data without the need todownload application instructions from a different source. Of coursethese approaches are exemplary and in other embodiments, otherapproaches may be used.

FIG. 52 represents schematically the logic carried out through operationof the portable device 494 in connection with obtaining the circuitexecutable instructions and other data used for reading check data andrecord document data in exemplary embodiments, and to send the checkdata and record document data from the portable device so that it can beaccessible to the vendor through the payee terminal. In the exemplaryarrangement, the portable device operates in accordance with the circuitexecutable instructions and one or more manual inputs to read the QRcode presented on the purchaser terminal or to receive the one or moremessages such as the SMS message sent by the vendor. This is representedb a step 496. The portable device then operates in accordance with itsexecutable instructions to determine the network address from which thecircuit executable instructions which make up the mobile application canbe obtained. This is represented by a step 498. Of course it should beunderstood that in embodiments where the QR code or received messagesincludes the circuit executable instructions necessary to carry out thefunctions of the portable device without the requirements for remotelydownloading an application, step 498 is not carried out.

In the exemplary embodiment, the wireless message in the form of the QRcode or SMS message includes data such as the identifiers previouslydiscussed which are used by the portable device in carrying out itsoperations. In the exemplary embodiment, the information includesidentifiers such as the identifier of the particular vendor to whomchecks are to be paid. The wireless message initially received furtherincludes network address information or other identifier informationlike that previously mentioned that indicates the network address orinformation to be included in messages sent by the portable device so asto direct the messages from the device to the proper network locationfrom which they can be accessed by the payee terminal or other vendordevice. As represented in FIG. 52, the portable device 494 operates in astep 500 to resolve the vendor identifying data that is included in theQR code or SMS message that the device has received. Step 502 representsthe operation of the device to determine the network address associatedwith the vendor to which check data and/or record document data is sentby the device and with which address the device communicates whendelivering such check and document data to the vendor.

As represented in Step 504, the portable device 494 operates in responseto the data it has received to access the network address from which thecircuit executable instructions that make up the mobile application canbe obtained. Once the portable device is in communication with theremote address from which the mobile application can be downloaded, themobile device operates to prompt a user for an input concerning whetherthey wish to download the mobile application. This is represented by astep 506. If in step 506 the user provides one or more inputs indicatingthat they wish to download the mobile application, the device operatesto communicate with the remote server to download the application. Thisis represented in a step 508. Of course if in response to step 506, theuser provides an input indicating that they do not wish to download theapplication, the process is stopped and the download does not occur.

Once the circuit executable instructions have been downloaded in step508, the portable device and the circuitry therein operates inaccordance with its programming to store the instructions along with theother identifier data and other data that has been provided to thedevice in one or more data stores such as data stores 334 previouslydiscussed. This is represented by step 510. Of course it should beunderstood that FIG. 52 is a highly schematic representation, andexemplary arrangements will include additional or different steps,outputs, prompts and other features or functions which have not beendiscussed herein.

Once the circuit executable instructions have been downloaded and storedon the portable device 494, the purchaser of goods from the vendor isenabled to make payments to the vendor by capturing the images of checksusing the portable device. Further in some exemplary embodiments, themaking of payments by check to the vendor may be accompanied bycapturing images and data from record documents. In the exemplaryembodiment, record documents may include an invoice or portion thereofsuch as a remittance advice or other document which includes indiciawhich shows the goods provided by the vendor to the purchaser for whichthe check payment is being made. This may include, for example, all or aportion of an invoice that is sent to the purchaser in connection with arequest for payment for goods that have been delivered. Alternatively,it may include a stub, card or separate item included with the invoicefor the goods that have been delivered. In still other arrangements, therecord document may include a tear off portion of an invoice or similardocument that, when a purchaser is paying by mail or by personaldelivery for goods delivered, would be returned with the checks toindicate the goods for which the payment is being made. Alternativelysuch a record document may include indicia such as a bar code, QR codeor other indicia included on a paper invoice document or in anelectronic invoice document presented on a screen of the payor terminalon a mobile device of a person who delivers the goods, for example. Ofcourse these forms of record documents are merely exemplary and in otherembodiments, other approaches may be used.

FIGS. 53 and 59 represent the use and operation of the portable device494 in reading and capturing check data from checks and record documentdata in connection with making payments to a vendor by check. Asrepresented in the logic flow carried out by the portable device asrepresented in FIG. 59, when a purchaser wishes to operate the portabledevice 494 in order make payment to the vendor, the purchaser starts bystarting the app and providing inputs in response to presentedselections on the display of the portable device to indicate that thepurchaser wishes to present a payment to the vendor. The circuitexecutable instructions stored in the one or more data stores of theportable device cause the one or more processor circuits to provideoutputs through the display of the portable device that prompt theindividual acting on behalf of the purchaser to read or scan a checkprepared by the purchaser to make a payment to the vendor. This isrepresented in FIG. 59 by a step 512. The portable device 494 thenoperates in a manner like that previously discussed to read the checkdata from a check prepared by the purchaser to make the payment to thevendor. This is represented in a step 514. This may be done in exemplaryembodiments by the portable device 494 operating to read throughoperation of the digital camera at least the front side of the checkthat represents the payment to the vendor. This is represented by theportable device capturing an image of a check 516 which is shownschematically in FIG. 53. In the exemplary embodiment both the front andthe back side of the check are read and the images thereof are capturedby the portable device.

In some arrangements, the payment may have an associated record documentwhich corresponds to the goods provided by the vendor to the purchaserfor which payment is being made. As represented in FIG. 49, theprocessor executable instructions of the portable device in a step 518prompts the user for an input to indicate whether the purchaser has arecord document which is also to be read in conjunction with thepayment. If the purchaser indicates that they have a record document,the portable device provides outputs that prompt a user to use theportable device to read the record document. This is represented in astep 520. The record document is read and an image thereof captured bythe portable device in a manner similar to the capture of the checkimages. This is represented by a step 522. As represented by theexemplary record document 524 shown in FIG. 53, the record documents mayinclude information that is usable to identify the goods that have beenprovided by the vendor to the purchaser and for which payment is beingmade. The exemplary record documents may include information such as avendor identifier, a purchaser identifier, an identifier of the goodssuch as the particular shipment or lot, date of delivery, the goodstype, quantity or other information which is usable to identify thegoods for which payment is being made or other information. The recorddocument may also include amount data associated with the particulargoods for which payment is expected from the purchaser. Record documentsmay include other or different information which is useful in connectionwith identification of the particular transaction for which payment isbeing presented. Further as represented in FIG. 53, the record documentsmay include bar codes or other indicia which include data which mayidentify the particular goods or other parameters which is useful inidentifying and processing the payment. For example in some arrangementsthe invoices may include a QR code in a portion thereof that can be readby the portable device 494 to obtain the various items of informationthat are associated with the goods provided by the vendor and for whichthe check is being presented in order to make payment. Of course thisapproach is exemplary and numerous other approaches may be used.

Alternatively if in step 518 the user provides an input that no recorddocument is associated with the particular check, the functionsassociated with steps 520 and 522 are not carried out by the portabledevice. As can be appreciated, in some embodiments the payee terminal orother computer may include capabilities for identifying the particulargoods with which a payment by a purchaser is associated without the needfor any additional information beyond the information included on thecheck. This may include, for example, the amount of the check, thepurchaser's account data as derived from the micr line, memo informationthat is read from the front of the check or other information that willenable the vendor and their associated payee terminal and other systemsto identify the goods for which the payment is being made.

As represented in FIG. 59, after the check data including the image ofthe check and record document data, if applicable, have been read, theexemplary portable device makes the determination that the check datathat has been captured corresponds to a vendor acceptable check from apurchaser for which payment by the vendor is properly received. Thisdetermination may be made by the processor circuit in the portabledevice reviewing the check data and causing the check data to becompared to data stored in the at least one data store. For example insome exemplary arrangements, the device may operate to determine ifidentification data stored in the at least one data store corresponds todata included on the check. This may include analyzing information suchas the payee data on the check to determine if the characters thereincorrespond to the vendor to whom the check should be payable.Alternatively in some arrangements, such determination may includeanalysis of data included on the check corresponds to the payee, whichdata has been included in data downloaded to the portable terminal inthe QR code or SMS message sent by the vendor. Alternatively thedetermination may include an evaluation of record document data todetermine if such record document data includes vendor identifying datawhich corresponds to the vendor. Alternatively in some arrangements, thedetermination may include an evaluation of purchaser identifying data,goods identifying data, shipment identifying data or other values toverify that they correspond to values that correspond or are formattedor otherwise presented in a manner that corresponds to the necessaryformat or requirements for the processing of the check payment to thevendor. In some embodiments the compared data may be entirely at theportable device and in other embodiments some data may be remotelyaccessed by the device. Multiple different identifier values or othervalues may be compared to stored data for purposes of making theacceptability determination which is represented in a step 526.

Further in exemplary arrangements, step 526 may include evaluation ofimage data to verify that the image quality and the characters of thecheck (and if appropriate record documents) are sufficientlydistinguishable so as to enable the processing thereof. Circuitexecutable instructions included in the at least one data store mayoperate to verify that there is sufficient contrast between the lightand dark pixels which make up the read check data (and document data) inthe areas of important values so as to make the check image (and recorddocument information) suitable for processing by the vendor and thecheck presentment system through which the check must pass in order tobe paid. Of course numerous or additional evaluation activities may beinvolved in making the acceptability determination represented by step526 depending on the vendor, the check presentment system and/or therecord documents involved.

As represented by the step 528, if the read documents are determined tobe acceptable in step 526, the user of the portable device 494 is thenprompted to provide an input indicating whether there are additionalchecks and/or record documents that need to be read in connection withthe transaction. This is represented in a step 530. Alternatively if instep 528 the check and if appropriate, record document scanned are notacceptable, the portable device operates in accordance with itsprogrammed instructions to prompt the user to retry reading the checkand/or record documents involved. Further in exemplary arrangements theuser has the option to discontinue the operation of the application andto end the reading of the documents. Assuming that the user proceeds toretry the reading of the check and record document, if applicable, theportable device repeats the steps previously discussed.

In step 530, if the user indicates that there are more checks or recorddocuments associated with the transaction, the portable device operatesto repeat the steps previously carried out for the prior check andrecord document with the additional checks and record documents. This isrepresented by a step 532. Alternatively if in step 532 there are nomore checks or record documents to be read in connection with thetransaction, the user of the portable device is provided with a promptthrough the display of the device to indicate whether they are ready tosend the read check and record document data to the vendor. This isrepresented in a step 534.

As represented by a step 536, if the user indicates that they do notwish to send the check and record data to the vendor, the circuitexecutable instructions operating in the portable device end thetransaction. Alternatively if the user indicates that they are ready tosend the check and applicable record documents, the circuitry operatesto encrypt the check and record data using the private key that wasprovided or otherwise resolved from the QR code or SMS message receivedby the portable device. This is represented by a step 538.

Once the data has been encrypted in step 538, the portable deviceoperates to send the check and associated record document data ifapplicable, to the computer 340. This is represented by a step 540 aswell as FIG. 60. The portable device and the computer 340 operate tocommunicate in a manner like that previously discussed. The computer 340if it has properly received the check data and record data ifapplicable, communicates with the portable device to indicate whetherthe messages were successfully received. The portable device operates toanalyze the messages and make a determination which is reflected in step542 concerning whether the data has been successfully communicated. Ifin a step 544 it is determined that the communication of the check andrecord data was not successful, another attempt is made by the portabledevice to communicate this data. Alternatively if in step 544 thedetermination is made that communication was successful, thecommunicated information and/or data corresponding to the communicationis stored in at least one data store of the portable device. This isrepresented by the step 546. Operation of the mobile application on theportable device is then discontinued.

In the exemplary arrangement once the check and record data has beencommunicated to the computer 340, it is accessible by the payee terminal346. This is represented in FIG. 60 which shows the display of the payeeterminal presenting visual representations of the checks and theassociated record documents that were captured through operation of theportable device. The operator of the payee terminal is then enabled toreview the check data and the record document data to verify that it isconsistent and corresponds to amounts owed to the vendor. Further inexemplary embodiments additional data which has been resolved from thecheck data and record document data may be presented and/orautomatically processed to facilitate the review by the operator of thepayee terminal. This may include tracking the status of customeraccounts and managing deposits to the merchant's financial accounts likethat carried out in the embodiments previously described.

As can be appreciated, the checks that are read through operation of theportable device are not endorsed by the vendor at the time that they aresent to the vendor by the customer. In order to facilitate theprocessing of the checks through the check presentment system, theexemplary payee terminal 346 is operable by a user to apply anendorsement to the images of checks on behalf of the vendor. In theexemplary embodiments, such endorsement may include the electronicapplication of a signature or stamp into the endorsement area of theimage of the rear side of the check. This is represented by FIG. 61.

Once the received checks are determined by the operator of the payeeterminal to be acceptable, the payee terminal may be operated to carryout functions like those previously described in causing the checks tobe sent to a check presentment network 372 for payment. The checkdeposit information may also be sent to the vendor's financialinstitution such as institution 364 so that the amount of the check orchecks can be deposited into the vendor's account. Further as previouslydiscussed, exemplary embodiments may also enable the payee terminal tobe operated to track and credit the accounts of the purchaser so as toaccurately reflect the purchaser's payment status and other accountstatus.

In alternative arrangements, the portable device may be operable by aperson other than a representative of the purchaser. For example in somearrangements, a sales person, delivery person or other entity may haveresponsibility for collecting payments for the vendor or multiplevendors. In such arrangements, the person responsible for collecting thefunds may operate the mobile device in the manner like that previouslydiscussed to read check data and record document data provided bypurchasers in making payment for goods that have been delivered by thevendor. In such arrangements, the individual who is responsible for thecollection or the company for which they work may also be involved inthe transactions such as by receiving revenue or other value in exchangefor collecting the funds due the vendor. In such cases the systems mayoperate to include data concerning payments that have been obtained bythe collection entity so that such payments or credits may be issued andpaid as appropriate.

FIG. 66 shows schematically an alternative system 548. System 548 mayinclude features and elements described in connection with systems 490,310 and 10. System components previously described herein have the samereference numerals in system 548 as those previously referred to hereinand may operate in a manner similar to that previously discussed. In theexemplary arrangement, system 548 further includes the capability tosubmit check payment requests by or on behalf of a payee, to a payor whomay make the payment by check using a payor terminal.

In the exemplary system check payment requests may originate with aplurality of different remote computers. In the exemplary system paymentrequests may originate with a payee terminal 346 of the type previouslydiscussed. Payee terminal 346 may be operated by a merchant who isentitled to receive payment from a payor for previously delivered goodsor services. As previously discussed reference to goods that are or havebeen sold herein will be construed to also refer to services forpurposes of brevity.

Another remote computer in the exemplary system may be operated by abill collection agency. Such a bill collection agency terminal 550 maybe generally similar to merchant payee terminal 346. Another remotecomputer used in the exemplary system may be operated by a lender. Sucha lender terminal 552 may also be similar to payee terminal 346.

Further in some exemplary arrangements at least one remote computer inoperative connection with the system may be operated by an online sellerof goods. Such at least one computer schematically indicated 554,includes at least one processor circuit 556 and at least one data store558. In the exemplary arrangement computer 554 is in operativeconnection with at least one online seller terminal 560 through which anonline seller may provide inputs to and receive outputs from computer554. In some exemplary arrangements computer 554 may operate to provideonline sales of goods through communications in a network 562. Thenetwork 562 may be one or more of a private network or a public networkor a combination thereof. Purchases may be made by persons communicatingwith computer 554 through user devices 564. In some exemplaryarrangements user devices 564 may include laptop or desktop computers,tablet computers (such as terminals 346 and 358 previously discussed) ormobile devices (such as mobile devices 312 and 494 previouslydiscussed). Of course these approaches are exemplary and other types ofdevices may be used in connection with example embodiments.

In an exemplary arrangement the remote computer 554 may operate toenable users through their devices 564 to pay for purchases via creditcard, debit card, stored value or other types of financial accounts.Further in the exemplary system 548 the computer 554 operates to provideusers with an online check payment option. Such an online check paymentoption enables the user to pay for online purchases made throughcommunications with computer 554 through submission of an image of apayor check.

It should be understood that the types of remote computers shown insystem 548 are examples of the types of terminals and computers that maybe operated in connection with systems that enable requests for paymentby check to be submitted and check payments received. Other examplesystems may include only some types of such remote computers and payeeterminals, and other systems may include other types of computers andpayee terminals that are operated by other types of entities thatreceive check payments.

In the exemplary embodiment of system 548 the at least one computer 340includes processor executable instructions which correspond to a websitegenerally indicated 566. In exemplary arrangements the instructionscomprising the website may operate in the same computer as the processorexecutable instructions that carry out other functions described inconnection with system 548 as well as systems 310 and 10. Alternatively,the processor executable instructions comprising the website 566 mayoperate on a separate computer or computers that are in operativeconnection with other computers that correspond to the schematicallyrepresented computer 340. In the exemplary arrangement the website 566includes embedded instructions. Such embedded instructions may beincluded in messages that are communicated from the website so that theycan be executed on remote payor terminals such as mobile devices, tabletcomputers, laptop computers and desk top computers.

In exemplary arrangements such embedded instructions may include Java®script or other instructions that may be delivered and remotely executedon payor terminals. In the exemplary arrangement the least one computer340 communicates through one or more public or private networks 366. Inaddition in the exemplary arrangement network 366 may be in operativeconnection with one or more wireless networks such as cellular network330 or Wi-Fi networks. In exemplary arrangements the at least onecomputer 340 is operative to communicate through such networks withpayor terminals, such as mobile device 494 previously discussed. Ofcourse it should be understood that this configuration is exemplary andother embodiments other approaches may be used.

FIGS. 67 and 68 shows schematically the message and logic flowsassociated with operation of system 548 in carrying out the processingof check payment requests. Shown schematically is a remote computer 568.Remote computer 568 may correspond to one of the payee terminals 346,550, 552 or 554 previously discussed. Also shown schematically is atleast one check payment processing computer 570. The check paymentprocessing computer 570 corresponds in the exemplary arrangement to theat least one computer 340. Also shown schematically is a payor terminal572. The payor terminal may correspond to a payor mobile device, tabletcomputer, notebook computer or desktop computer of the types previouslydiscussed or other suitable computer device.

In the exemplary arrangement the payee terminal 568 is operated tocommunicate at least one check payment request message schematicallyindicated 574 with the at least one check payment processing computer.In the exemplary arrangement the check payment request message mayinclude a plurality of messages that are exchanged between the payeeterminal 568 and the computer 570. For example, as represented bydisplay output 576 shown in FIG. 69, the operator of the payee terminalis enabled to enter information regarding a new payment request. Asrepresented in display output 576 and display output 578 in FIG. 70, theoperator of the payee terminal in the exemplary arrangement, includes inthe check payment request an amount of the check payment that isrequired. Further in the exemplary arrangement the operator the payeeterminal inputs a network address such as an email address or phonenumber associated with the payor terminal of the payor from which thecheck payment is requested. In the exemplary arrangement after theoperator of the payee terminal has input this information it is includedin the at least one check payment request message that is delivered fromthe payee terminal to the at least one computer 570. In other exemplaryarrangements the operator of the payee terminal may include otherinformation in the at least one check payment request message. Suchinformation may include data concerning the payor obligation with whichthe check payment is associated. Such data may include an invoice orother remittance advice number or other identifying information. Inother exemplary arrangements, the at least one check payment requestmessage may include invoice image data which corresponds to an image ofan invoice or other remittance advice with which the check payment isassociated. Of course these approaches are exemplary and numerousdifferent messaging arrangements may be utilized depending on theparticular system. As can be appreciated numerous different messages maybe exchanged between the payee terminal and the at least one computer570 in connection with generating and transmitting the at least onecheck payment request message.

Responsive to the receipt of the at least one check payment requestmessage and the programming associated with the at least one computer570, the at least one computer 570 operates to generate at least onepayment request record as indicated by function 580. The at least onepayment request record is stored in the at least one data storeassociated with the at least one check payment processing computer 540.In some exemplary arrangements the at least one payment request recordmay include only data from the check payment request message. In otherarrangements the at least one computer 570 may operate in accordancewith its programmed executable instructions to include in the at leastone payment record, additional data that is determined by the at leastone computer to be associated with the requested payment. This mayinclude for example additional stored information regarding the payorfrom which the payment is requested, the payor's account information orother information that is determined by the programmed instructions maybe pertinent to the requested payment. In some exemplary arrangementsthe associated information may include information regarding theremittance advice associated with the requested payment as well as datawhich corresponds to an image of such remittance advice.

Also in response to receipt of the check payment request message and theprogramming of the computer 570, the computer 570 is operative to sendat least one check payment request message indicated 582 to the payorterminal 572. In the exemplary arrangement the at least one paymentrequest message 582 includes data corresponding to a network address ofthe website 566. In an exemplary arrangement the at least one paymentrequest message 582 includes a selectable link to a network addressassociated with the website 566 and interface data therein associatedwith the check payment request. In the exemplary arrangement the atleast one payment request message 582 is operative to cause a displayoutput 584 shown in FIG. 71 to be output through a display of the payorterminal 572. Of course this display output including the link isexemplary and in other arrangements other approaches may be used.

Responsive to the payor providing at least one input through an inputdevice of the payor terminal selecting the link, at least one paymentresponse message 586 is sent from the payor terminal to the website 566of the computer 570. Responsive at least in part to receipt of thepayment response message, the website 566 is operative to communicate atleast one check payment instruction message 588 with the payor terminal.In the exemplary arrangement the at least one payment instructionmessage 588 includes embedded instructions which are executable throughoperation of at least one processor circuit of the payor terminal 572 toenable making the requested check payment through providing at least oneimage of a payor written check. In the exemplary arrangement the atleast one check payment instruction message 588 enables the payorterminal to be operable to capture images of the payor written check andto send image data corresponding to an image of at least one side of thecheck to the check payment processing computer without the need for thepayor terminal to have a preinstalled check payment application residentthereon. Of course this approach is exemplary and other embodimentsother approaches may be used.

In exemplary arrangements the website 566 may be operative to institutea secure communication session between the check payment processingcomputer 570 and the payor terminal 572. In some exemplary arrangementsdifferent types of secure messages may be utilized such as the HTTPSprotocol providing SSL or TLS encryption of the exchanged messages. Ofcourse it should be understood that these approaches are exemplary andin other arrangements other security and encryption techniques may beutilized.

In the exemplary arrangement the at least one check payment instructionmessage and the embedded instructions therein are operative to cause thepayor terminal to output check payment information from an output devicesuch as a display of the payor terminal. This output function isschematically represented 590. FIG. 72 shows an exemplary display output592 from payor terminal 572 that is produced by the payor terminalresponsive to the at least one payment instruction message. In theexemplary arrangement the display output 592 indicates to the user ofthe payor terminal the amount of the required check payment, andinstructions for capturing the front and back of a payor written checkthat the payor is required to prepare in order to make the checkpayment. In the exemplary arrangement the at least one paymentinstruction message further provides the payor with the option toprovide “notes” associated with the making of the payment. Such notesmay be used where the check payor wishes to provide comments orinstructions in connection with the check payment.

In the exemplary arrangement the at least one check payment instructionmessage includes embedded instructions which are further operable toenable the payor terminal 572 to capture images of at least one side ofa payor written check. As represented in display output 592, the payoris prompted to write the payor check for the check amount and to capturedata corresponding to an image of the front side of the payor writtencheck. Responsive to payor user input to at least one input device ofthe payor terminal, the at least one camera of the payor terminal isoperative to capture image data corresponding to at least one image ofthe front side of the payor check 594 as represented by the displayoutput 596 in FIG. 73.

In the exemplary arrangement after the embedded instructions in the atleast one check payment instruction message 588 cause the payor terminalto operate to capture image data corresponding to an image of the frontside of the payor written check, the instructions are operative toprovide at least one display output 598 shown in FIG. 74. Display output598 in the exemplary arrangement is operative to prompt the payor tocapture an image of the back of the payor written check 594. In theexemplary arrangement, the payor terminal 572 is operative to captureimage data corresponding to the back side of check 594 and providedisplay output 600 as shown in FIG. 75. The functions associated withcarrying out the capture of image data corresponding to the front sideand the back side of the check are represented 602 in FIG. 67.

In alternative exemplary embodiments the at least one check paymentinstruction message may further operate to cause the payor terminal tooutput additional instructions and to carry out further functions. Forexample in some exemplary arrangements the at least one paymentinstruction message may provide outputs that include invoice image datacorresponding to the invoice or other remittance advice that isassociated with the requested payment. Such invoice image data may bebased on the image data corresponding to the invoice or remittanceadvice provided by operation of the payee terminal in connection withthe at least one check payment request message or that is resolvedthrough operation of the at least one computer. Providing such an outputfrom the payor terminal enables the payor to view the informationregarding the invoice or other remittance advice information related tothe payor obligation for which the check payment is being made. In stillother exemplary arrangements the at least one payment instructionmessage may prompt the payor to use the payor terminal to capture animage of the invoice or other remittance advice that the payor haspreviously received related to the payment obligation. In such exemplaryarrangements outputs from the payor terminal responsive to the at leastone payment instruction message may prompt the user to capture imagedata corresponding to at least one side of an invoice or otherremittance advice associated with the payment in addition to capturingthe image data associated with the check. This may be done using thecamera of the payor terminal to capture invoice image data in a mannerlike that previously discussed in connection with other payment systemsherein. Of course these approaches are exemplary and in otherembodiments other or additional steps may be carried out by the payorterminal responsive to instructions in the at least one paymentinstruction message.

Further in the exemplary arrangement the embedded instructions includedwith the at least one payment instruction message 588 are operative toenable the payor to operate the payor terminal 572 to provide notes forother comments through the payor terminal that will be associated withthe check payment. This is represented by a screen output 604 shown on adisplay or other output device of the payor terminal 572 in FIG. 76. Inthe exemplary arrangement, the embedded instructions are operative tocause the payor terminal to provide a manually actuatable keypad to beaccessible on the payor terminal display through which the payor mayinput information or comments related to the payment or the payorwritten check. In exemplary arrangements the provision of comments orother information is optional and need not be included with the checkpayment in the event that the payor does not wish to do so.

Further in other exemplary arrangements the at least one paymentinstruction message may include embedded instructions which areoperative to provide other types of outputs from the payor terminal andwhich enable the payor terminal to receive additional inputs. Forexample in some exemplary embodiments the embedded instructions may beoperative to require the payor to provide to the payor terminaladditional inputs for purposes of identification. Such identificationinputs may be useful for purposes of verifying that the individualmaking the payment is an authorized payor or is an individual who hasauthority to prepare the check on behalf of the organization that is thepayor making the payment. For example, in some exemplary arrangementsthe embedded instructions may operate to prompt the user to provide anidentifying input to the payor terminal. In some exemplary arrangementsthis may include a biometric input such as a fingerprint scan inputthrough a fingerprint reader that is included on or operativelyconnected with the payor terminal. In other exemplary arrangements theembedded instructions may cause output of a prompt for the user tocapture a facial image or other image of the user preparing the check.In other exemplary arrangements other identifying inputs may be requiredto be included with the captured data so as to help verify that thecheck payment that is received is an authorized payment. In suchexemplary arrangements, the identifying data or other data that iscaptured responsive to the embedded instructions is captured by thepayor terminal and stored in at least one data store of the payorterminal in association with the check data and other data related tothe check payment.

In the exemplary arrangement once the payor has captured the image datacorresponding to the payor written check and provided the notes or otherinformation that is to accompany the check, (as well as captured orotherwise acquired invoice or other remittance advice data, payoridentifying data and/or other data as caused by the embeddedinstructions) the payor may elect to provide at least one input to aninput device of the payor terminal to submit the payment. This isrepresented in FIG. 57 through a exemplary screen output 606 in whichthe payor is enabled to provide a “submit payment” input to the payorterminal. Responsive to this payor input and the embedded instructionsand other instructions executable in the payor terminal, the payorterminal is operative to send at least one payor device payment message608 from the payor terminal to the at least one check payment processingcomputer 570. In the exemplary arrangement the at least one devicepayment message includes image data corresponding to the check image aswell as the notations or other information that the payor has chosen orbeen required to include with the check payment.

In the exemplary arrangement responsive to receiving the at least onepayor device payment message, the at least one computer 570 operates inaccordance with its programming to analyze the image data correspondingto the check. The analysis of the check image data may includeoperations similar to those previously described in determining the dataincluded in the different areas of the check. This may include analyzingthe payor account information from the micr line, determining the checkpayee information, determining check payor information, determining thelegal amount and the courtesy amount, determining the date of the check,analysis of the presence of the maker signature or the validity thereofand possibly other information. The carrying out of these check imageanalysis functions is represented as 610 in FIG. 67. In the exemplaryarrangement the at least one check payment processing computer 570 isfurther operative to analyze the resolved data from the check image todetermine if the resolved check data corresponds to the required checkpayment. This includes for example, determining that the legal amount ofthe check corresponds to at least the required check payment amount.Such analysis may further include verifying that the check is made bythe payor from whom the payment is required. Such analysis may alsoinclude in some exemplary arrangements determining that the check iswritten on a known payor account, is properly dated, and meets therequirement of an acceptable check as established through the executableinstructions associated with the computer 570. These functions arerepresented 612 in FIG. 67. Further if data related to an invoice orother remittance advice is included with the at least one payor devicepayment message, data from the image of the invoice or other remittanceadvice may also be determined through image analysis by the at least onecomputer 570 in a manner like that previously discussed. Further the atleast one computer may also compare the check data determined from thecheck image data and data determined from the invoice or remittanceadvice image data to verify that the check corresponds to the requiredpayment reflected by the invoice or remittance advice. In situationswhere the invoice or other remittance advice was included throughoperation of the payee terminal in the at least one payment requestrecord, the at least one computer may operate to compare the determinedcheck information and/or captured invoice or other remittance advicepayment information, to required payment data determined from theinvoice or other remittance advice. Alternatively or in addition, the atleast one computer may also analyze the identifying information receivedwith the at least one payor device payment message to verify theidentity of the payor submitting the check payment. This may be done bythe at least one computer 570 comparing the identifying data for thepayor previously stored in at least one data store associated with theat least one computer. Further, additional steps may be taken as part ofthe check analysis determination by the at least one computer 570 toverify that the check and other information submitted by the payorterminal properly corresponds to the requested payment. Of course itshould be understood that these approaches are exemplary and otherarrangements other approaches may be used.

Further in the exemplary arrangement the at least one check paymentprocessing computer 570 is further operative responsive at least in partto the check analysis determination that the check corresponds to therequired payment, to change the requested payment record to indicatethat check payment has been received. Further in the exemplaryarrangement the image data corresponding to the check images are furtherstored in correlated relation with the changed payment record. Thisfunction is represented 614 in FIG. 67. In other exemplary embodimentsthe at least one check payment processing computer 570 may be furtheroperative responsive at least in part to the determination that thecheck corresponds to the required payment, to send at least one payorreceipt message to the payor terminal. The at least one payor receiptmessage may include embedded instructions which are operative to causethe payor terminal to output indicia and information to provide outputsthat indicate to the payor that the requested check payment has beenreceived. The data included in the at least one payor receipt messagemay be usable by the payor as a receipt to indicate that the payor hasmade the requested check payment. In some exemplary arrangements thedata included with the at least one payor receipt message is enabled tobe stored in at least one data store associated with the payor terminalor otherwise selectively recorded or stored by the payor to provide thepayor with a record of having made the payment. Of course theseapproaches are exemplary and other embodiments other approaches may beused.

In the exemplary system the determination by the at least one checkpayment processing computer 570 that check has been received causes thecomputer 572 to send at least one payment status message 616 to thepayee terminal. It should be understood that while in the exemplaryarrangement the computer 570 is operative to send the at least onepayment status message automatically to the payee terminal, in otherarrangements such a message may be sent in response to a query messageor other request for updated information from the payee terminal. In theexemplary arrangement the at least one payment status message isoperative to cause an output device of the payee terminal to output adisplay output 618 as shown in FIG. 78. In the exemplary arrangement thedisplay output 618 is operative to indicate to the payee that the statusof the requested check payment as indicated in the requested paymentrecord is now completed. This is indicative of the receipt of the payorcheck by the at least one check payment processing computer.

In the exemplary arrangement the payee terminal is operative by thepayee representative to request information about the payment that hasbeen received from the payor. In exemplary arrangements the payeeterminal is selectively operative to enable review the payments forvalidation purposes. Also in exemplary arrangements the payee terminalis selectively operative to allocate the payment to a particular payoraccount or against a particular invoice or remittance advice. Theexemplary payee terminal is further selectively operative to cause thepayor check to be sent to a presentment network for payment and also tobe sent to the payee's bank so that the check can be credited to thepayee's desired account. Of course these approaches are exemplary and inother embodiments additional functions or different operations may becarried out.

In the exemplary arrangement the payee terminal is operative responsiveto payee user inputs to cause at least one payment validation message620 to be sent from the payee terminal to the least one computer 570. Inthe exemplary arrangement the at least one computer 570 is operative toprovide a payee interface through the payee terminal which includesdisplay outputs 622 and 624 shown in FIGS. 79 and 80 respectively. Inthe exemplary arrangement the payee is enabled to provide inputs throughone or more input devices of the payee terminal to indicate that thepayee user wishes to validate the check payment.

By selecting the validate payments option from the menu selections, thedata included in the at least one payment validation message isoperative to cause the at least one computer 570 to send at least onecheck image message 626 to the payee terminal. The at least one checkimage message 626 includes the image data corresponding to the image ofat least one side of the payor check. The at least one check imagemessage is operative to cause a visual image of the payor check to beoutput through a display or other output device associated with thepayee terminal.

In the exemplary arrangement the at least one payment validation message620 is further operative to cause the at least one computer 570 togenerate and send at least one account selection message 627 to thepayee terminal. In the exemplary arrangement the at least one accountselection message 627 includes data corresponding to a plurality ofunpaid invoices or other obligations to which the payor check may beapplied.

An exemplary display output 628 that is output from payee terminal 568responsive to the at least one check image message and the at least oneaccount selection message is represented in FIG. 81. In the exemplaryarrangement the display output includes a visual output corresponding tothe image data that shows at least one side of the payor financialcheck. This enables the payee user to review the check for purposes ofverifying that it corresponds to the required payment and meets theother requirements of the payee. Further in the exemplary arrangementthe interface provided by the at least one computer 572 through thepayee terminal 568 enables the payee user to conduct an invoice searchrelated to check payors who have outstanding invoices owing to the payeeand to which the check payment may be applied. As represented by thedisplay output 628 presented in the exemplary arrangement, the payeeuser is enabled to search for such invoices through a number ofdifferent categories of information. These include the payor accountnumber, account name, group, discount amount, invoice number, origindate or amount due. Of course these selectable categories usable forlocating the applicable invoice or other account to which the payment isto be applied are exemplary and in other embodiments other approachesmay be used.

As represented by the display output 630 in FIG. 82, the exemplary atleast one computer 570 is operative to enable the payee user to provideinputs under each of the searchable categories for invoices to locatethe particular invoice or account to which the payor check is to beapplied. As represented in display output 630 the input by a payee userat the payee terminal of a particular letter or group of letters in thearea designated in the display output as “account name”, results in theat least one computer 570 providing one or more messages to the payeeterminal which results in display output 632 shown in FIG. 83. Asrepresented by display output 632, the payee user is provided with alisting of all the accounts and associated invoice data whichcorresponds to the input character to the “account name” search box.This enables the payee user through inputs to the payee terminal 568 toselect a particular invoice or account to which the payment will beapplied.

In other exemplary arrangements where image data corresponding to aninvoice or other remittance advice associated with the particular checkpayment has been provided by the payee, or alternatively captured by thepayor through operation of the payor terminal, the at least one computer570 may be further operative to provide to the user of the payeeterminal an image of the particular invoice or other remittance advice.This image output responsive to the image data may enable the operatorof the payee terminal to verify that the check data corresponds to theparticular obligation of the payor that is associated with the requestedpayment. Further in some exemplary arrangements the information includedin the image of the invoice or other remittance advice that is outputthrough the payee terminal may assist the user of the payee terminal inapplying the check payment to the appropriate account, obligation orother payment category to which the check payment pertains. For example,such capabilities may be particularly useful where the payor has made acheck payment that is in excess of the requested payment so as to payother obligations that the payor may have to the payee and/or to payahead so as to maintain a credit balance with the payee. Such exemplaryarrangements enable the operator the payee terminal to properly allocatethe payment as appropriate to the appropriate account or otherobligation associated with the payor. Of course these approaches areexemplary and other embodiments other approaches may be used.

In the exemplary arrangement the inputs from the payee user to the payeeterminal are operative to cause at least one payment allocation messageindicated 634 in FIG. 68 to be sent to the at least one computer 570.The exemplary at least one payment allocation message is operative toallocate the payor check to the payee selected invoice or account.Responsive to the at least one payment allocation message 634 and thestored executable instructions, the at least one computer 570 isoperative to carry out a function indicated 636 to allocate the check tothe particular payor invoice or payor account and to store the dataassociated with such allocation.

In the exemplary arrangement responsive at least in part to theallocation of the payor check as payment to a selected payor invoice oraccount, the at least one computer 570 is operative to send at least oneaccount payment balance message 638 to the payee terminal. In theexemplary arrangement the account payment balance message includes datacorresponding to the selected payor invoice or account balance afterallocation of the payor check thereto. In the exemplary arrangement thisenables the payee user to verify the status of the payor account orinvoice after the allocation of the check payment thereto. Further insome exemplary arrangements the at least one computer 570 may also beoperative responsive to inputs to the payee terminal, to send to thepayor terminal at least one acknowledgment message which is operative tocause outputs through the display or other output device of the payorterminal that indicate to the payor the receipt of the payment by thepayee. Such at least one acknowledgment message may be sent instead ofthe at least one receipt message to the payor terminal previouslydiscussed, or alternatively the at least one computer may operate tosend both types of messages to the payor terminal. For example, the atleast one receipt message may acknowledge receipt of a check paymentwhile the at least one acknowledgment message may show the change ininvoice status or reduction in balance due to the payee or other balanceor payment information to the payor. Of course these approaches areexemplary and in other embodiments other approaches may be used.

In the exemplary arrangement the payee user of the payee terminal 568may provide at least one input through an input device of the payeeterminal which causes at least one payee endorsement message 642 be sentto the at least one computer 570. In the exemplary arrangement the atleast one payee endorsement message is operative to cause the image datacorresponding to the check to be modified so as to include endorsementdata on behalf of the payee on the rear side of the check. This is donein a manner like that previously discussed. The inclusion of the payeeendorsement data on the rear the check enables the check to be presentedfor payment to the bank upon which the check is drawn as well as fordeposit into an account of the payee.

In exemplary arrangements the at least one computer 570 may operate in amanner like that previously discussed to send the image datacorresponding to the payor check and other data to the check presentmentnetwork 372 so that payment for the check can be received. This functionis represented 642 in FIG. 68. Further in the exemplary arrangement theleast one computer 570 may also be operable in a manner like thatpreviously discussed to send the image data corresponding to the checkand other data to the payee's financial institution 364 so that thecheck may be deposited in the payee's account. This function isrepresented by 644 in FIG. 68. Of course as previously discussed in someexemplary embodiments the payee terminal may be operated by a payee userto selectively determine the particular account to which the payor checkis to be deposited. The exemplary system may also operate in a mannerlike that previously discussed to handle situations where the payorcheck is not paid upon presentment to the bank upon which it is drawn.Of course additional functions and capabilities like those previouslydiscussed as well as other functions and capabilities may be associatedwith exemplary systems.

Further as can be appreciated the approaches described herein can beutilized by terminals that are operated by bill collector users andlenders to obtain check payments from payors who owe amounts due fordebts, loans or other obligations. Further in the exemplary arrangement,the online goods sales carried out through computer 554 may present aninterface to user devices 564 operated by users who are making purchasesto enable the selection of a check payment option. The selection of thecheck payment option may cause the at least one computer 570 to operatein a manner like that previously discussed to generate a check paymentrequest. In exemplary arrangements the computer 554 may operate inaccordance with its circuit executable instructions to receive from thepurchasing user device 564 the information on the network address (emailor phone number) associated with the user device 564. The computer 554may operate to send this information along with the payment amountinformation associated with the purchase to the at least one checkpayment processing computer 570. The check payment processing computeroperates in the manner previously discussed to communicate with thepurchaser's user device which operates as the payor terminal to capturethe image data associated with the payor written check to make thepayment associated with the purchase. Further in exemplary arrangementsthe operator of the online sales computer 554 may operate the onlineseller terminal 560 in a manner like the payee terminals previouslydiscussed to accomplish payment validations, check payment allocation,payor receipt, check presentment, check deposit and other functions.

Of course it should be understood that these approaches are exemplaryand in other embodiments other approaches, systems, operations andcapabilities may be provided utilizing the principles that are describedherein.

Of course it should be understood that the operations, functions andcapabilities of the described systems are exemplary and in otherembodiments, other features, functions, operations and capabilities maybe provided.

Thus the exemplary systems and devices controlled responsive to databearing records that have been described herein achieve desirablecapabilities, eliminate difficulties encountered in the use of priordevices and systems and attain the useful results described herein.

In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used in connectionwith describing exemplary embodiments for purposes of brevity, clarityand understanding. However, no unnecessary limitations are to be impliedtherefrom because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and areintended to be broadly construed. Moreover the descriptions andillustrations herein are by way of examples and the inventions are notlimited to the particular features shown and described.

Further it should be understood that elements, features, relationships,devices and other aspects described in connection with one exemplaryembodiment may be utilized in connection with other exemplaryembodiments such that numerous different arrangements, functions andcapabilities may be carried out. Numerous different aspects of describedembodiments may be used together or in different combinations to achieveuseful results.

Having described the features, discoveries and principles of theexemplary embodiments, the manner in which they are constructed andoperated, and the advantages and useful results attained, the new anduseful structures, devices, elements, arrangements, parts, combinations,systems, equipment, operations, methods, processes and relationships areset forth in the appended claims.

We claim:
 1. Apparatus operative to cause financial transfers responsiveat least in part to data included on data bearing records in the form offinancial checks, comprising: at least one computer, wherein the atleast one computer includes at least one processor circuit and at leastone data store, wherein the at least one computer is operative to causea check payment request to be received from a payee terminal, whereinthe check payment request includes a payment amount, and at least one ofa payor phone number, and a payor email address, responsive at least inpart to receipt of the check payment request to generate a paymentrequest record corresponding to the check payment request, store thepayment request record in the at least one data store, cause at leastone check payment request message to be sent to a payor terminalcorresponding to the at least one payor phone number or payor emailaddress, at least one payment response message to be received from thepayor terminal, wherein the at least one payment response message isreceived responsive at least in part to the at least one check paymentrequest message, responsive at least in part to receipt of the at leastone payment response message at least one check payment instructionmessage to be sent to the payor terminal, wherein the at least one checkpayment instruction message is operative to cause output of the paymentamount from an output device of the payor terminal, the payor terminalto be operable to capture data corresponding to a check image of atleast one side of a payor check, the payor terminal to be operable tosend at least one payor terminal payment message including the imagedata corresponding to the check image, to the at least one computer,receipt of the at least one payor terminal payment message from thepayor terminal, responsive at least in part to receipt of the at leastone payor terminal payment message, the payment request record to bechanged to indicate a check payment has been received.
 2. The apparatusaccording to claim 1 wherein the at least one computer is furtheroperative to cause at least one payment status message corresponding tothe changed payment record to be sent to the payee terminal, at leastone check image message including the image data corresponding to thecheck image to be sent to the payee terminal, wherein the at least onecheck image message enables the image of at least one side of the checkto be output through a payee terminal output device of the payeeterminal.
 3. The apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the at least onecomputer is further operative to cause at least one payment validationrequest message to be received from the payee terminal, wherein the atleast one check image message is sent to the payee terminal responsiveat least in part to receipt of the at least one payment validationrequest message.
 4. The apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the atleast one computer is selectively operative to cause the payor checkcorresponding to the image data, to be deposited in a financial accountassociated with the payee.
 5. The apparatus according to claim 4 whereinthe at least one computer is operative to cause image data correspondingto the check image of the payor written check to be sent to a checkpresentment network.
 6. The apparatus according to claim 5 wherein theat least one computer includes circuit executable instructions thatcomprise a payment website, wherein the at least one check paymentrequest message includes a link to a network address associated with thepayment website, wherein the at least one payment response message issent responsive to an input through an input device of the payorterminal selecting the link.
 7. The apparatus according to claim 6wherein the payment website includes embedded instructions, wherein theat least one check payment instruction message includes the embeddedinstructions, wherein responsive at least in part to the embeddedinstructions, the payor terminal is operative to capture the image datacorresponding to the payor written check.
 8. The apparatus according toclaim 7 wherein the embedded instructions include payment recordidentifying data corresponding to the payment request record, whereinthe at least one payor terminal payment message includes at least aportion of the payment record identifying data.
 9. The apparatusaccording to claim 8 wherein the embedded instructions include datacorresponding to the payment amount, wherein the payor terminal isoperative to output the payment amount responsive at least in part tothe embedded instructions.
 10. The apparatus according to claim 7wherein the at least one computer is further operative to cause receiptof at least one payment allocation message from the payee terminal,wherein the at least one computer is operative responsive at least inpart to the at least one payment allocation message to allocate thecheck as payment to at least one of a selected payor account or selectedpayor remittance advice.
 11. The apparatus according to claim 10 whereinthe at least one computer is further operative to cause at least oneaccount selection message to be sent to the payee terminal, wherein theat least one payment allocation message is received responsive at leastin part to the at least one account selection message.
 12. The apparatusaccording to claim 11 wherein the at least one account selection messageincludes data corresponding to a plurality of unpaid invoices.
 13. Theapparatus according to claim 10 wherein the at least one computer isfurther operative to cause at least one account payment balance messageto be sent to the payee terminal responsive at least in part toallocating the check in payment to a selected payor account, wherein theat least one account payment balance message includes data correspondingto a selected payor account balance after allocation of the check to theselected payor account.
 14. The apparatus according to claim 13 whereinthe payee terminal comprises a terminal operated by one of a merchantpayee entitled to be paid for delivered goods, a bill collection agency,a lender, an online seller of goods that offers an online pay by checkoption.
 15. The apparatus according to claim 14 wherein the payorterminal comprises a mobile wireless device including a camera, whereinthe at least one computer is further operative to cause a determinationof a check amount responsive at least in part to the image datacorresponding to the payor written check, a determination whether thecheck amount corresponds to at least the payment amount, wherein thepayment request record is changed responsive at least in part to thecheck amount corresponding to at least the payment amount.
 16. Theapparatus according to claim 15 wherein the at least one paymentinstruction message is further operative to cause the payor terminal tobe operative to output an image of a remittance advice corresponding tothe payment amount from the output device of the payor terminal.
 17. Theapparatus according to claim 15 wherein the at least one paymentinstruction message is further operative to cause the payor terminal tobe operable to capture data corresponding to an image of a remittanceadvice, the at least one payor terminal payment message to include theimage data corresponding to the image of the remittance advice.
 18. Theapparatus according to claim 1 wherein the at least one computer isselectively operative to cause the payor check corresponding the imagedata, to be deposited in a financial account associated with the payee.19. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the payee terminalcomprises a terminal operated by one of a merchant payee entitled to bepaid for delivered goods, a bill collection agency, a lender, an onlineseller of goods that offers an online pay by check option.
 20. Theapparatus according to claim 1 wherein the at least one check paymentinstruction message is further operative to cause the payor terminal tobe operative to output an image of a remittance advice corresponding tothe payment amount from the output device of the payor terminal.
 21. Theapparatus according to claim 1 wherein the at least one check paymentinstruction message is further operative to cause the payor terminal tobe operable to capture data corresponding to an image of a remittanceadvice, the at least one payor terminal payment message to include theimage data corresponding to the image of the remittance advice. 22.Apparatus operative to cause financial transfers responsive at least inpart to data included on data bearing records in the form of financialchecks, comprising: at least one check payment processing computer,wherein the at least one check payment processing computer includes atleast one processor circuit and at least one data store, wherein the atleast one check payment processing computer is operative to cause acheck payment request to be received, wherein the check payment requestis received by the check payment processing computer from a first remotecomputer, wherein the check payment request includes data correspondingto a check payment due amount, and at least one of a payor phone number,and a payor email address, associated with a mobile device of a checkpayor, responsive at least in part to the check payment request at leastone check payment request message to be sent to the mobile device of thecheck payor, wherein the at least one check payment request messageincludes data corresponding to a link to a check payment web site,wherein the at least one check payment processing computer includescircuit executable instructions which comprise the check paymentwebsite, receipt of at least one payment response message through thecheck payment website from the payor mobile device, wherein the at leastone payment response message is received responsive at least in part tothe at least one check payment request message, responsive at least inpart to receipt of the at least one payment response message, at leastone check payment instruction message to be sent to the payor mobiledevice, wherein the at least one check payment instruction messageincludes embedded instructions from the check payment website, whereinthe embedded instructions are operative to cause the check payment dueamount to be output from a mobile display of the payor mobile device,the payor mobile device to be operable to capture image datacorresponding to a check image of at least one side of a payor writtencheck, the payor mobile device to be operable to send at least one payordevice payment message including the data corresponding to the checkimage, to the at least one check payment processing computer, receipt ofthe at least one payor device payment message.
 23. The apparatusaccording to claim 22 wherein the at least one check payment processingcomputer is further operative responsive at least in part to receipt ofthe check payment request to generate a check payment request recordcorresponding to the check payment request, store the check paymentrequest record in the at least one data store, responsive at least inpart to receipt of the at least one payor device payment message, causethe check payment request record to be changed to indicate that a checkpayment has been received.
 24. The apparatus according to claim 22wherein the at least one check payment processing computer is furtheroperative responsive at least in part to receipt of the at least onepayor device payment message to cause a determination of a payor checkamount of the payor check, wherein the payor check amount is determinedresponsive at least in part to the image data, a payment determination,wherein the payment determination includes whether the payor checkamount corresponds to at least the payment due amount.
 25. The apparatusaccording to claim 22 wherein the at least one check payment processingcomputer is further operative to cause responsive at least in part tothe received at least one payor device payment message, at least onepayment status message to be sent to the first remote computer, whereinthe at least one payment status message includes data indicative ofreceipt of the payor check.
 26. The apparatus according to claim 22wherein the at least one check payment processing computer is furtheroperative to cause at least one check image message to be sent to thefirst remote computer, wherein the at least one check image messageincludes the image data, receipt of at least one payment allocationmessage from the first remote computer, wherein the at least one checkpayment processing computer is operative responsive at least in part tothe at least one payment allocation message to cause the check to beapplied to at least one of a selected payor account and/or a selectedpayor invoice.
 27. The apparatus according to claim 22 wherein theembedded instructions in the at least one payment instruction messageare operative to cause at least one of an image of a remittance adviceto be output from the mobile display of the payor mobile device, thepayor mobile device to be operable to capture image data correspondingto a paper remittance advice, and to include the image datacorresponding to the image of the paper remittance advice in the atleast one payor device payment message.
 28. The apparatus according toclaim 22 wherein the first remote computer comprises one of a merchantpayee computer of a merchant payee entitled to be paid by the payor fordelivered goods, a computer operated by a bill collection agency, acomputer operated by a lender, a computer operated by an online sellerof goods that offers a pay by check payment option.